5th. Tuesday.

This morning at about 10 o'clock we pass'd the russian frontiers and arriv'd at Abbo[r]fors which is the first place in Swedish Finland. Here we were visited. We arriv'd
at Lovisa at about 12. o'clock. Mr. Gummer arrived last night about 10 o'clock.

When you come into Swedish Finland you pay every thing in Swedish money. You give
4. schillings pr. horse for each Swedish mile which is 10. russian wersts. They count
here the money in Rixdallers schillings, and stübers. A Rixdaller is 48 schillings
or about 1 ½ Rouble<s> Russian. A schilling is 4. stübers, or a little more than 3 russian copecks. The
postillions commonly have 4. schillings for 3. You are not obliged to give anything,
and they are very content for 1 schilling each. There are no regulated posts in Sweden.
Each peasant is obliged to furnish a certain number of horses according as he is able,
and to prevent their making travellers stop too long, at each post there is a paper
where you write your name, where you come from where you go, how many horses you take,
and whether you was served quick. At the end of every month the paper is carried before
the judge of the village who examines it, and if he finds any complaint against the
peasants they are punish'd accordingly. But I should advise travellers always to have
their horses ordered before hand for 8 or 10 miles, for then you are sure of having
the horses all ready when you arrive at the post. Whereas when you do not have them
ordered before hand it is sometimes impossible for them to have their horses ready
in less than an hour and sometimes an hour and a half, and it costs but a trifle,
to have the horses ordered beforehand.

6th. Wednesday.

This day we dined with the major of the garrison here whose name is Grippenwald. After
dinner we set off from Lovisa for Helsingfors [Helsinki] and went two stations. Lovisa is as yet but a village without fortifications, or
gates. It is but about twenty years since it was founded but it is said they intend
to begin soon to fortify it.

This afternoon at about 4 o'clock we passed thro' Borgo [Borga] which is a small fortified town. We rode all night and arrived at about 7 o'clock
in the morning on the 8th. at Helsingfors, a small town not very strongly fortified,
but remarkable for the fortress of Sweaborg [Sveaborg] an island situated at about ¼ of a Swedish mile from Helsingfors and which they say
is as strong as Gibraltar. At about 11. o'clock we went and paid a visit to the Count
Posse2 governor general of all the troops in Swedish Finland. We desired of him a permission
to see the fortress of Sweaborg. He told us that it was impossible for us to go to
day because the wind was high and contrary so that we should arrive there too late,
but that tomorrow he would willingly give us a permission. We dined and supped with
him at his house.

1. Entries for 7–8 Nov. continue without interruption in the Diary; date lines are in
the margin, however.

2. Fredrik Arvidsson Posse, a close associate of King Gustav III, who was given full command of the Swedish
army in Finland in 1780 and served as commander-in-chief of the Finnish division during
the war with Russia in 1788 (Biographiskt Lexicon öfver Namnkunnige Svenska Män, 23 vols., Orebo and Uppsala, 1836–1857).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-09

9th. Saturday.

This morning we went to see the fortress of Sweaborg. Dined with the General Posse.
Prince Galitzin1 arrived here this evening.

We left Åmine at about 10 o'clock A.M. and rode all day, and all the night and arrived
at about 12. o'clock at Åbo, on the 14th. This is a small town not much fortified
but it is the capital of the province of Finland and is said to be the largest town
in Sweden except Stockholm.

List of the roads from Lovisa to Åbo.

From Lovisa to

Swed: Miles

Perna

1

1/4.

Forsby.

1.

Ilby.

1

1/4

Borgo.

1.

Wäkaski

1

1/4

Sibbokykeky [Sibbo]

1

1/4

Hakbolo [Haxböle]

1

1/2

Helsingfors

1

3/4.

1. This entry continues into the next day without a pause; the dateline is in the margin.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-15

15th. Friday.

This forenoon we went and paid a visit to General Armfeldt1 governor of Finland. We dined at his hotel with the Prince Galitzin who arriv'd last
night. After dinner we went to see the curiosities of the town, but there is nothing
extraordinary altho there is a famous University2 here. In the evening the General Armfeldt came and paid us a visit.

1. Gustaf Mauritz, Baron von Armfelt, a native of Finland, who served as a Swedish diplomat and president of the Council
of Finland (Biographiskt Lexicon öfver Namnkunnige Svenska Män, 23 vols., Orebo and Uppsala, 1836–1857).

16th. Saturday.

This morning at about 10 o'clock we left Åbo at the same time with the Prince Galitzin,
but Mr. Gummer intends to stay there { 159 } about a week because he has all his family here and has been a long time absent. We
went this day 7 ½ Miles as far as the first passage at Helsings.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-17

17th. Sunday.

This morning we took boat and went as far as Varsala [Wartsala] i.e. two miles: we could go no farther.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-18

18th. Monday.

This morning we set off from Varsala in a boat and went 5. miles as far as Kůmlinge.
Fine weather.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-19

19th. Tuesday.

This day we passed from Kůmlinge to Skarpans by water. The distance is, 6. Swedish
miles. We went also two stations by land.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-20

20th. Wednesday.

This day at about 4 o'clock P.M. we arrived at Eckerö. The Prince Galitzin arrived
at about eight o'clock.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-21

21st. Thursday.

This morning at 7 ¾ o'clock we set off from Eckerö in a boat and arrived at Grisselham
distant 7. Miles at about 11.¼. We stay'd there till 2. o'clock P.M. and went 4 stations
after.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-22

22d. Friday.

This evening at about 11.o'clock we arrived at Stockholm. We found all the taverns
in the town shut up, and could not get one opened.

Better than one half of the way you are obliged to go by water. And what is worse
a traveller is very often obliged to stop at one or another of the passages, especially,
at that from Eckerö to Grisselham for whenever the wind is contrary, or if there is
no wind at all, you will find no boats, because the mariners will not risk to go over.
This is only at the great passage,1 for a calm weather is the best for the small ones because there are a great number
of rocks on all sides, at the small passages, and the best way is to row. For the
same reason, when the wind is strong, you can't pass the small passages. But at this
season of the year it is impossible to row over the passage of the Ålandshaff in a
day; and it is dangerous to arrive in the night. When we arrived at Eckerö we found
there the post from Åbo, that had stay'd there for want of wind a whole week, and
we were very lucky not to stay more than one night. Upon the whole all the passages
are very disagreable especially at this season of the year, when the weather is commonly
bad. There is another road which some travellers take in winter, which they call here,
making the northern tour; but this is never done unless it is impossible to go { 161 } the other way; because it makes a difference of noless than 240. Swedish miles which
makes about 1700. English.

1. That is, from Eckerö to Grisselhamn, across the Ålands Haf, or Ålands Sea, the body
of water which separates the Åland Islands archipelago and the Swedish mainland, at
the entrance of the Gulf of Bothnia.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0004-0012-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1782-11-23

23d. Saturday.

After having passed the whole night in the street, at last, we found a publick house
at the Swedish arms, said to be the best in the city; but if it is the best is not
good for much. This forenoon Mr. Brandenburg came here and gave me a letter from Mr.
D.1 After dinner we went into a bookseller's shop to buy some books. We found there a
gentleman whose name is Watström; he is director of the mines.2 As soon as he found we were strangers without knowing us, he offered to show us every
thing that is to be seen in town; and could not have been more polite if we had been
strongly recommended to him: indeed I have found from our first entrance into Sweden;
that strangers are treated with a great deal of Politeness and civility all over the
country.3

1. Probably Dana to JQA, 21 Oct. (Adams Papers), in which Dana gave JQA directions for the delivery of letters to JA, who would probably be in Paris when JQA reached The Hague, and instructions to have the ciphers intended for America thrown
overboard in case of capture.

2. Charles Bernard Wadström, with whom JQA was to stay during part of the coming winter, was a Swedish mechanical and mining
engineer in government service. In 1769 he was responsible for making navigable the
cataract of Trollhättan (sometimes Trolhaéetta or Drolhetta), which JQA saw on 20 Jan. 1783 (below). In 1787 Wadström went to Africa, where he remained for two years. Afterward
he visited England, where he advocated the abolition of the slave trade and encouraged
the establishment of philanthropic colonies in Africa. While in London he published
in 1789 his Observations on the Slave Trade, and a Description of Some Part of the Coast of Guinea
. . ., as well as subsequent works of a similar nature. Later, while minister resident
to the Netherlands, JQA renewed his friendship with Wadström by correspondence (Helen Maria Williams, “Memoirs
of the Life of Charles Berns [Bernard] Wadström,” The Annual Register . . . For the Year 1799, new edn., London, 1813, p. 326–330; Wadström to JQA, 5 Dec. 1795, and JQA to Wadström, 5 July 1797, LbC, Adams Papers).

3. JQA spent the next five weeks (24 Nov.–31 Dec. 1782) in Stockholm, but little is known
about his activities there. His seventh Diary, which was written on the blank pages
in a Swedish almanac, contains numerous markings by the names of various Swedish officials,
presumably those he met while staying in Stockholm. In addition, JQA makes mention, in the few extant letters he wrote during his stay in the country,
of Swedish merchants he met in Stockholm, as well as other towns and villages, who
were interested in beginning trade with the United States (JQA to JA, 1 Feb. 1783, Adams Papers; JQA to AA, 23 July 1783, Writings, 1:8).

This morning I left Stockholm at about 9 o'clock A M. in company with the Count Greco
and Mr. Fyrbergs a Swedish gentleman who intends to go as far as Norrkiöping. We arrived
at Nykiöping at about 12. o'clock at Night, we stay'd there a couple of hours and
then set out and arrived at Norrkiöping at about 2. o'clock P.M.2

1. First entry of D/JQA/6, which has no titlepage and consists of two 4¾″ × 7⅝″ sets
of four sheets of paper folded over to make 32 pages. JQA filled 21 of them before he discontinued this Diary. The period covered is 31 Dec.
1782–26 Feb. 1783; no entries exist for 4, 5, 7, 9, and 21 Feb.

2. In the margin of this page in the Diary, containing this and part of the following
day's entry, are two small animal-like figures sketched in pencil.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-01

January 1st. 1783.

We found here Mr. Schiebe a gentleman who left Stockholm about a week before us.

Norrkiöping is distant from Stockholm eighteen swedish miles or 120. English. Its
situation is exceeding fine, at present every thing is covered with Snow;1 but it is in the midst of a plain which is bordered all round at about 6. or 8 English
Miles from the town by high mountains from which you at first discover the city and
in summer it seems to be in the midst of a large garden.

After having dined I went to the coffee house, and found there Mr. Charles Bernard
Wadström a gentleman whom I knew in Stockholm and whom I owed a great many obligations
during my stay there; he presented me to all his family which was assembled together
at one of his brother's, where I stay'd and supped.

1. Reporting to AA on his journey from St. Petersburg to The Hague, JQA wrote that he “was obliged to stop at a small town, called Norrköping ... for a fortnight,
because of a very heavy fall of snow, which happened just at that time” (JQA to AA, 23 July, Writings, 1:8).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-02

Jany. 2d.

This day I dined at Mr. C. B. Wadström's. In the evening I went to the coffee house.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-03

3d.

This morning the Count set off from here and continued his route for Carlscrona [Karlskrona]. I went with Mr. Wadström { 163 } about 3. Swedish miles out of town, to pass there this day and tomorrow.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-04

4th.

This afternoon at about 3 o'clock, we set out to return in town and arrived at about
6. o'clock. We went to the coffee house after our return.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-05

5th.

This forenoon I went with Mr. Schiebe to the german church, but it happened this day
that we had a Swedish sermon.1 I dined at Mr. C. B. Wadström's. After dinner I went with him out of town to his
brother's where we stay'd till after supper, and then return'd in town.

1. In the margin of the entry is a small pencil sketch of a minister at his pulpit with
his congregation below.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-06

6th.

This day I dined at Mr. C. B. Wadström's. In the evening I went to the assembly here,
of which there are sixteen every winter.1 This was the first for this winter. I return'd home at about 11. o'clock.

1. In the margin of the entry are three small pencil sketches: several figures seated
around a table; a man and woman dancing; and two couples dancing in a circle.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-07

7th.

I dined at Mr. C. B. Wadström's with a great deal of company. In the evening I went
to the play,1 which can indeed hardly be call'd a play. However, it is as much as this small town
can allow. After the play I return'd to Mr. Wadström's where [with?] all the company.2

1. In the margin is a small pencil sketch of two figures standing before a backdrop.

2. Laid in between pages two and three of the Diary is the following four-line poem,
written presumably in Wadström's hand:

Monsieur et chèr Ami !

Tout se passe avec le Tems

Le Tems se passe de même

L'Eternité n'a point de Tems

Mon Amitié de meme

a Norrköping en Ostrogothie

CB: Wadström.

le 7me. Janvier 1783

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-08

8th.

I dined at Mr. Pasch's with a great deal of company. We had a ball, in the evening
which did not break up till about 4 o'clock in the morning of the 9th.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-09

9th.

Dined at Mr. Körners. In the evening I went to the assembly; at about 10 o'clock I
return'd and supp'd at Mr. Körners.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-10

10th.

Dined with Mr. C. B. Wadström: bad weather all day.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-11

11th.

Snow storm, all day. Dined at Mr. Wadström's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-12

12th.

This day I went into the country, and spent the day at Mr. Kanterberg's the brother
in law of Mr. Wadström.

This morning Mr. Schiebe set out for Gottenburgh [Göteborg]. I am to overtake him to morrow morning in Linkiöping. I dined at old Mr. Wadström's
and in the evening I went to the assembly. At about 10 o'clock I return'd and supped
at old Mr. Wadström's; went to my Lodgings and ordered horses, and at about 2. o'clock.
A.M. of the 14th. I set out for Linkiöping where I arriv'd at about 7. o'clock. It
is only 4. Swedish miles from Norrkiöping. I found here Mr. Schiebe, and at about
10 o'clock we set out to continue our journey to Gottenburgh, where we arrived on
Thursday the 16th. at about eleven o'clock at night. The distance is about 250 Engh.
miles. One part of the road is very good because of the snow, but there are some places
in the province of Scania [Skåne] where there is no snow at all. It is very troublesome to travel these roads in the
winter because from Stockholm to the entry of the Province you cannot go otherwise
than in slays, and then very often you find no Snow at all; thro' the whole Province
of Scania there is never Snow enough for { 165 } Slaying until the latter end of this month: and sometimes not even then.

1. This diary entry continues through 16 Jan. without a pause or break; the datelines
for the 14th and the 16th (omitted here) are in the margin.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-17

17th.

This Day I went with Mr. Schiebe to the exchange, and met there with Count Greco,
who has been here already a week. He proposed to me to go with him and two other gentlemen
to take a tour to Drolhetta [Trollhättan] where there are famous water falls about 8. Sweedish miles from this Place; he told
me they shall set out to morrow, and I agreed to go with them. In the afternoon I
went and delivered a letter of introduction to Mr. Lars Kåhre, a capital merchant
of this town.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-18

18th.

I left Gottenburg this morning in Company with Count Greco, Mr. Khrumppöck a Sea officer
in the Dutch service, and Mr. Gadelius a young Swedish gentleman who belongs to Ud[d]evalla, we are at present (10 o'clock. P.M.) about half ways to Drolhetta; the roads
are not very agreable (as we are with a coach,) on account of the Snow.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-19

19th.

We arrived at Drolhetta at about 5. o'clock this afternoon, but at the last post we
were obliged to leave our carriage on account of the quantity of Snow, and take Slays.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-20

20th.

This morning we went to see the falls which did not answer my expectations, but this
place is still more famous for the expence the Sweeds have been at to cut a canal
from hence to the sea so that Swedish vessels might come from the Atlantic, without
being obliged to pass the Sound:1 but after all they have not been able to succeed in their enterprize.2 After having seen everything remarkable here, we return'd in Slays to the first Post
and then we took our carriage; but could not get further on than Wennersborg [Vänersborg], which is the first Station. The road we took [could?] have taken to return is not the same as the { 166 } one we went. And there has fallen more Snow here than on the other road. Here the
Count left us at about 10 o'clock in the evening and set out to return to Gottenburg
in A Slay; as he is obliged to continue his journey.

1. That is, Öresund (the Sound), the strait between Sjælland Island, Denmark (on which
Copenhagen is located), and southwest Sweden, connecting the Kattegat, an arm of the
North Sea, with the Baltic. At its narrowest point the strait is two and one-half
miles wide.

2. The Göta Canal, a waterway of canals, lakes, and rivers which passes around the Trollhättan
Falls and connects Göteborg with Stockholm, was not completed until 1832.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-21

21st.

This morning we left our carriage at Wennersborg, and took slays, for Udevalla where
we arrived at about 5. o'clock P. M. This is the town to which Mr. Gadelius belongs.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-22

22d.

This day we dined and supped at Mr. Gadelius's mother's, in company with several Gentlemen
of this town.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-23

23d.

We dined at Mr. Williamson's; a merchant of this place; in the evening we went to
the assembly where we stay'd till about 1 o'clock in the morning, very stormy windy
weather the greatest part of the day.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-24

24th.

This morning at about 10 o'clock I set out from Udevalla all alone in a Slay for Gottenburgh.
When I came to the third station I was obliged to Stop on account of the Storm, at
the end of a couple of hours the Snow abated and I continued My Journey till about
midnight when I arrived at the last Post where I shall be obliged to Stay untill the
morning as the gates of Gottenburg are not opened before 7. o'clock. Very stormy weather.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-25

25th.

This morning I arrived at Gottenburg at about 9 o'clock in the morning. Went to Change;
found the Count left Gottenburg the day before yesterday. Mr. Lars Kåhre presented
me to the { 167 } French Consul here Mr. De L'isle who appears to be a clever sort of a gentleman. I
dined with him at a tavern in the town and in the evening I went to the Coffee House.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-26

26th. Sunday.

I Dined this day at Mr. Kåhre's in company with Mr. De L'isle and Mr. Cederström1 a merchant of this town who has a brother lately established in Boston.

1. Carl Söderström was the brother of Richard Söderström, Swedish merchant and consul at Boston, whom
JQA met on 27 July 1785, after his return to America (The Diplomatic Correspondence of the United States of America, from the Signing of
the Definitive Treaty of Peace, 10th September 1783, to the Adoption of the Constitution,
March 4, 1789 . . ., 7 vols., Washington, 1833–1834, 7:478–480).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0024

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-27

27th. Monday.

This morning I carried my Letters of introduction to the Baron Ahlströmmer's and Mr.
Arfvidson's. I dined at Baron Claes Ahlströmmer;1 after dinner Mr. Podolyn, a gentleman who lives with Baron Claes, shew me a very
compleat Cabinet of Roman medals. This gentleman has travell'd almost all over Europe;
and speaks almost all the Languages of Europe very correctly, I went with him in the
evening to the concert. Baron Patrick Ahlströmmer2 is a very great Lover of musick; and plays very well himself upon the violin.

1. Clas Alströmer was originally an agriculturalist who studied sheep breeding in six European countries
from 1760 to 1764. After his return to Sweden he joined the East Indian Company of
Göteborg, an internationally known business firm. Later he formed a partnership with
his brother Patrick. During the American Revolution the brothers, through the East
Indian Company, planned a great trading venture in metal and cloth products to the
American colonies, borrowing considerable capital for the purpose. As soon as peace
was established, however, the market for Swedish goods collapsed, and the East Indian
Company suffered a loss of 300,000 riksdalers (Svenskt Biografiskt Lexikon).

2. Trained in the management of cloth manufacturing, Patrick Alströmer became director of manufactures of Alingsås, a town northeast of Göteborg, in 1758;
four years later he visited cloth-manufacturing facilities in St. Petersburg and other
Russian cities. After a catastrophic fire in Alingsås ruined Patrick's business, he
accepted an invitation from his younger brother Clas to enter into partnership with
him. Patrick became director of the East Indian Company in 1777, and the two brothers
were raised to the rank of baron the following year (same).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0025

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-28

28th. tuesd.

Dined at Mr. Cederströms this day. In the afternoon I went to see a Gentleman whose
name is Beckmann.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0001-0026

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-01-29

29th. Wednesd.

I receiv'd this day several letters from Messrs. Wadström at Norrkiöping.1

30th. Thursd.

This day I din'd at Mr. Greigg's1 a merchant of this Place. In the evening I went to the assembly, which is much more
brilliant here than I have seen it any where: in Stockholm they are much more so,
but there were no assemblies there while I was in town on account of the mourning
for the Death of the Queen Dowager,2 which is at present finish'd: this is said to be for [opu]lence3 the second City in the King[dom]. I believe there is no Country in Europe where the people are more hospitable and
affable to Strangers, or more hospitable among themselves than the Sweeds. In almost
every town however small it may be they have these assemblies at least once a week
during three months. They are by subscription, but a Stranger may enter by paying
1 half of a Rixdaller. There one may dance Country dances minuets, or play cards just
as it pleases you; and every body is extremely polite to Strangers. Besides this they
have very often private balls, which without being expensive are very well calculated
to pass away agreably, the long winter evenings which they have in this country. Even
the peasants, the people of the lowest class are very polite here, and that I believe
no other country can boast of. In general I think there can be no country in Europe
where the Strangers are more civilly treated than in Sweden.

2. Louisa Ulrica of Hohenzollern, sister of Frederick the Great and wife of Adolphus Frederick V, King of Sweden,
1751–1771. Her son, Gustavus III (1746–1792), was King at this time (Brockhaus Enzyklopadie, Wiesbaden, 1969).

31st.

This day I dined at a tavern in town with the French Consul and several other Gentlemen:
in the evening I went to the Play, which is certainly nothing extraordinary, but is
as much as can be expected from such a Place as this.

1. This monthly summary comes from the first entry in D/JQA/7, a small pocket almanac
of 348 pages, approximately 2⅞″ × 5″, entitled Historisk Almanach För Året 1783 . . ., Stockholm [1783]. The first 13 pages consist of a calendar for the year 1783, interleaved
with 12 blank pages on which JQA wrote in French short, scattered notes of his activities from 31 Dec. 1782 to 17
Oct. 1783. JQA began writing in this Diary in the form of a monthly summary of his activities, particularly
his constant arrivals and departures as he traveled from country to country, but gradually
the entries became scattered line-a-day memoranda. Monthly summaries from January
through April are placed in the published Diary as the final entry for each respective
month. After 26 Feb., when D/JQA/6 ends, D/JQA/7 constitutes the only Diary JQA kept until 6 Aug., when he briefly resumed longer entries in another Diary booklet, D/JQA/8. Entries
in D/JQA/7 for 6, 9, 12, 16, and 22 Aug. and 22 Sept. have been omitted in favor of
the fuller corresponding entries in D/JQA/8; in one instance, 29 Aug., entries from both of these Diaries have been printed because they contain different
information. All other entries from D/JQA/7 after 6 Aug. have been retained.

2. According to JQA's main entry, above, he arrived in Göteborg on 16 Jan.

February 1783. 1st. Saturday.

This morning Mr. Schiebe left this place to go to Marstrand where he intends to stay
some days.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-02

2d. Sunday.

I dined this day at Mr. Erskine's the English Consul: in the evening I went to the
play. Supped at Baron Patrick Ahlströmmer's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-03

3d. Monday.

I spent the evening and supped with a numerous company at counseller Arvidson's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-06

6th. Thursd.

Dined this day with a great deal of Company at Baron Claes Ahlströmmers; in the evening
I went to the play and afterwards I return'd again to Baron Ahlströmmers where I supp'd.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-08

8th. Saturday.

This forenoon Mr. Schiebe arrived here from Marstrand, we decided to set out next
Tuesday for Copenhagen.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

DateRange: 1783-02-10 - 1783-02-11

[10th.–]11th. [Monday–]Tuesday.

Last evening at about 10 o'clock I went to a Mascarade Ball which we had in Town.
As it was but the second that has ever been given in this place it was not very brilliant
And the masks were almost all the same; the men dressed in sailors, and the women
[in]1 Country girls almost universally, but [it] was very well for a beginning. I stay'd there till about 4. o'clock this morning,
when I return'd to my Lodgings threw myself upon a bed and slept till about 7. o'clock
then pack'd up my trunks, and set away from Gottenburg with Mr. Schiebe at about half
past 8. We arrived at Kungsbacka which is 3 1/2. Swed: miles. from Gottenburg, at
about 5. o'clock. P.M. We cannot go any further this night on account of the weather
and roads which are very bad as within these three weeks there has been nothing but
a continual rain. The winter in this part of Sweden is not agreable, as it is either
extremely cold or else it rains continually.

1. Editorially supplied here and below; words are obscured in MS owing to some water damage.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-12

12th. Wednesd.

We came this day as far as Warberg [Varberg] which is about 6. miles Swed: from Kungsbacka. The roads are so terrible bad that
we shall not be able to go at all, the nights. The weather has been pretty good all
day, but very cold.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-13

13th. Thursd.

We rose this morning at about 7. o'clock and left Warberg, we rode till about Nine
o'clock this evening when we arrived at Halmstad. The distance is about 7. Swed: miles.
The roads are extremely bad all the way.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-14

14th. Friday.

After having rode this day about 8. miles Swedish, we arrived at about 9. o'clock,
P.M. At Helsingborg [Hälsingborg] which is the last town in Sweden.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-15

15th. Saturd.

Having left Helsingborg this morning at about 10' o'clock, we pass'd the Sound and
at about 11. we arriv'd at Elseneur [Helsingör] which is the first Danish town. We stay'd there about 2 hours to refresh ourselves
and have our trunks examined and set out from there at about 1' o'clock afternoon,
and arrived at Copenhagen at about 7. o'clock. Copenhagen is distant from Elseneur
5 German Miles; we took up our lodgings at Vassal's in the Strand, and I found here
the Count, who has already been here a fort'night, and who has engaged a place in
a Vessel, which is to sail next Tuesday for Kiel. As I have nothing of any consequence
to do here and as there is nothing very extraordinary to be seen here, I believe I
shall go at the same time if there is any more Place in the Vessel.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-16

16th.

This morning I went with the Count and Mr. Schiebe to see the royal Cabinet of curiosities
which is vast; but not much in order; there [are] some very curious things in it; but there are others which are not worth looking
at. There are two pieces of silver just as they came out of the mines in Norway, one
of which is worth 5,000 Rxdallers, Danish and the other about 3,000. One would think
seeing such enormous masses that the mines are very rich and that money is plenty,
but it is quite the contrary, there is not scarce any specie in Copenhagen, all goes
by bank bills, which are falling, and depreciating because they cannot be realized:
if you carry one of these bills to the bank; suppose it to be a bill of 100. Rxdallers
you will receive 10 Rxdallers Specie and all the rest in smaller bills.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-17

17th. Mond.

This forenoon We went to see a Gentleman who has a Cabinet of Curiosities, in Painting,
sea shells and insects. His Cabinet is pretty well furnish'd but not entirely in order.
In the evening we { 172 } all went to the play but stay'd there only a few minutes because it was so full. The
King goes almost every Night to the play, but was not there this evening because the
Prince Frederick's consort is unwell, and the King never stirs out of the Palace without
having Prince Frederick, with him.1

1. Christian VII (1749–1808) became progressively more insane during his reign, and in
1784 his son, Prince Frederick (1768–1839), was made regent until his father's death,
when he assumed the throne as Frederick VI. The Prince Frederick mentioned here is
Christian's half-brother (1753–1805), who married Sophia Frederica of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
in 1774 (La grande encyclopédic: inventaire raisonné des sciences, des lettres et des arts, 31 vols., Paris, [1886–1902]; Almanach royal, 1784).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-18

18th. Tuesd.

Mr. Schiebe and I have engaged places in the vessel that is to sail for Kiel but the
wind is contrary at present. This day I went and carried a letter of Introduction
I had for Mr. Soeren Lycke a merchant of this town. I walk'd about the town in the
afternoon with Count Greco. In the evening we went to a Coffee House.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-19

19th. Wednesd.

This forenoon Mr. Heiliger;1 a Gentleman from the Danish West India's, and who has liv'd in America some time,
came to see me. The wind continues still bad.

1. John Heyliger (sometimes Hyleger or Heiliger), a member of a trading and planting family from St.
Croix with New York connections; JQA later recalled that he “was under many obligations” to Heyliger during his three-week
stay in Copenhagen (entry for 10 Aug. 1785, below; NYHS, Colls., 14 [1905]:270.)

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-20

20th. Thurd.

This forenoon I went and pay'd a visit to Mr. Heiliger, who invited me to dine with
him at a Club of which he is member; he invited at the same time Mr. Schiebe. We accepted
his invitation. After dinner we left him, and return'd in the evening to sup with
him at his own house.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-22

22d. Saturday.

We dined this day with a numerous company at Mr. Lycke's. In the evening I went to
the play and had there an occasion of seeing the King, and Prince royal. As I was
in Company with a gentleman of the town I ask'd him some question about the King { 173 } and royal Family; he did not say much about the King but when I spoke of the Prince
royal ah! says he, “nôtre Jeune prince a beaucoup d'esprit.” As for the King he is neither remarkable for his wit
nor for his understanding, and the people all over the City make no scruple to say
it publicly.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-23

23d. Sunday.

This afternoon I went and paid a visit to the Baron de la Houze1 the French Minister here; he offer'd to send any letter I should write to my Father
with his Dispatches to Mr. De Vergennes.2

2. Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes, minister of foreign affairs during the American Revolution.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-24

24th. Mond.

This morning I went to pay a visit to the Baron de la Houze. When I return'd to the
Hotel at about 12 o'clock I found the Count and Mr. Schiebe packing up, as the Captain
has sent word that the wind is Good and that he intends to set sail this afternoon.
(8. o'clock P.M.) We dined at about twelve o'clock and came on board soon after dinner.
Since we are on board the wind has chang'd and is at present contrary but we hope
it will become favourable in the night.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-25

25th.

The wind continued bad all day. In the afternoon the Count went on shore.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02-26

26th.

The Count came on board to take us on shore with him so we left our trunks on board
and having told the Captain to let us know when the wind became favourable, we return'd
on shore.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0002-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-02

Februarius. 1783.

1. Times of departure and arrival vary slightly from the main entries (above).

JQA's return to The Hague from Copenhagen, sketchily presented in this and the following
two entries in his Diary, was marked with numerous delays, which characterized his
entire journey from St. Petersburg. Arriving in the Danish capital on 15 Feb., he
decided to go to Kiel by boat to avoid bad roads and an expensive fare. But after
he had waited for nearly three weeks for a good wind, the harbor froze up and he was
obliged to go to Hamburg by land. Arriving there on or about 10 March, he stayed for
nearly a month before traveling to Bremen, where he remained four days before continuing
his journey to Amsterdam. During his stay in the two German cities, he studied the
commercial life and concluded that Hamburg would “carry on hereafter a great deal
of Trade with America.” JQA arrived in Amsterdam on 15 April and settled in The Hague at his father's residence,
the Hôtel des Etats Unis, on 21 April (JQA to JA, 20 Feb., 1412 March; JQA to AA, 23 July, all in Adams Papers; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:ix–x).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0003-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-03

Martius. 1783.

1. JA wrote to AA on 28 March, informing her that JQA had been impeded by “terrible Weather” on his journey from St. Petersburg and that
“my Son has been another Source of Distress to me.” Receiving a letter from JQA dated 1412 March from Hamburg, JA was hopeful that his son would arrive at The Hague by the end of March, but it was
another three weeks before JQA reached his destination (Book of Abigail and John, p. 344).

Majus. 1783. 20me.

1. JQA means L.H.P., Les Hautes Puissances, or Their High Mightinesses, the name given to
the Dutch States General as a body (Guthrie, Geographical Grammar, p. 406).

2. JA was concerned about his son's course of studies, but owing to the treaty negotiations
with Britain being carried forward in Paris, he was not in the Netherlands when JQA returned from St. Petersburg. JA allowed his son a choice of either returning to Leyden to study with his former tutor
or staying at The Hague and continuing his studies under the direction of C. W. F.
Dumas, a close friend whom JA later described as “A Walking Library, and so great a Master of Languages ancient
and modern [which] is rarely seen.” JA also encouraged JQA to improve his penmanship and writing style and recom• { 175 } mended that he continue his study of mathematics, especially algebra. JQA decided to study with Dumas, in part because of the uncertainty of JA's stay in Europe. Within a month he was beginning to translate Suetonius' life of
Caligula and the Greek testament; later he began to read the works of Plautus and
Terence (JA to JQA, 18 Feb; JQA to JA, 2122 April, 12 May; Dumas to JA, 18 July, all in Adams Papers; Book of Abigail and John, p. 349).

For relaxation, JA suggested that JQA read some books, “along with your Severe Studies and laborious Exercises,” and recommended
several volumes on morals. But for “amusement,” JQA turned to Virgil, reading a hundred verses of the Aeneid at a time with Dumas, who “explain[ed to] me every thing which regards the ancient rites; and ceremonies”; then he compared
Dryden's translation with the original (JA to JQA, 19 May; JQA to JA, 24 May, both in Adams Papers). JQA studied with Dumas for three and a half months before leaving The Hague with JA. Besides the translation of Suetonius, which is probably the one in French in the
Adams Papers (M/JQA/45, Microfilms, Reel No. 240), he copied and translated into English verse
ten Eclogues of Virgil (M/JQA/43, Microfilms, Reel No. 238) and began a series of
translations into French of Horace's Odes, Books I and II (M/JQA/42, Microfilms, Reel
No. 237). The direction and stimulus provided by Dumas seem evident from JQA's later readings and translations done while living in France and England, discussed
in notes for entries of 20 Oct. 1783, and 8 Aug. 1784 (below).

22.

1. Absent from The Hague since late Oct. 1782, JA returned there on this day, and after two weeks of discussions with his Patriot friends
at The Hague and merchants and bankers in Amsterdam, he departed for Paris with JQA. JA thought his stay in Europe would end shortly after negotiations with Great Britain
were completed, and he wanted his son to come with him and serve as his secretary
during the interim (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:141–142; Book of Abigail and John, p. 360–362).

30.

[TitlePage]

1. Titlepage of D/JQA/8, on the cover of a leather-bound 7¼″ × 4⅜″ writing book with
the inscription in an unknown hand. The Diary book covers the period 6–29 Aug. (with no entries for 13–14, 17–19, and 24–26 Aug.) and 20–22 Sept. 1783, only, taking up 34 of the book's 104 pages. These entries are printed
with those remaining from D/JQA/7; but see entry for Januarius 1783, note 1 (post 31 Jan., above).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-06

August. 6th. 1783. Wednesday.

This morning, I set out from the Hague, in Company with my Father; at about half past
4. o'clock in the morning. At 7. we arrived at Rotterdam; passed the Maes [Meuse], and rode as far as Moerdyk, where we arrived at about 12. We were obliged to stay
{ 177 } till 4. o'clock, because the wind, and tide were both contrary. We arrived at about
11. o'clock at night at the last Post before Antwerp, and cannot go any further because
the gates of the City are shut from 9. o'clock at night untill 4. in the morning.
The Land from the Hague to Moerdyk is good; and is for the most part planted with
wheat, oats, and horsebeans; but for the 5. last Leagues the Land is very bad and
produces nothing at all.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-07

Aug. 7th. Thursday.

We were going this morning at about 3. We arrived at 7. at Antwerp. After breakfast
we went to the cathedral Church, to see the Paintings. The most remarkable of them
are.

1.

The descent from the Cross, regarded as the master Piece of Rubens. It is indeed most
admirable: every Figure looks alive except the capital one and that equally accurately
represents nature. On one side of the Picture is, another representing the annunciation,
and on the other, is one representing the Purification. On the reverse is St. Christopher
fording a river in the figure of an Hercules with the Child Jesus upon his back, and
a Hermit holding a Lantern to Light him. Rubens has painted one of his wive's for
the Virgin Mary, and his Daughter for Mary Magdalen.

2.

The Ascencion of the Virgin, Mary: which being placed over the Altar, and the Priests
saying Mass, I could not get a good look at. It is also one of the best Paintings,
of Rubens; according to the Connoisseurs.

3.

The Martyr of St. Sebastian who is tied to a tree and pierced with arrows, by an Italian
painter named Cocci. It is a good Picture.

4.

The battle of the Angels by Francis Florus. This Picture is good, but is the most
remarkable for an Anecdote upon it. The Painter had a Daughter, who was beloved by
a Black smith called Quintus Mezzus who demanded her in Marriage, but he would not
consent to his Daughter's marrying a Black Smith and refused him. Upon this, Mezzus
set out for Rome and stay'd there 7. years, to learn the art of Painting. When he
return'd, { 178 } Florus, was about, (and had nearly finish'd) this picture. Mezzus one day went into
his Cabinet while he was out; and painted a bumble bee upon the thigh of one of the
fallen Angels. When Florus return'd to his work, he was deceiv'd and attempted to
knock off the bee. But when he saw his mistake and found that Mezzus had done it;
he granted him his request, and gave him his daughter. There are a number of other
Paintings in this Church, but none of them are extraordinary.

From thence we went to the Eglise de St. Ja[c]ques, which is only remarkable for the tomb of Rubens, and his Family. There is in it
a Picture by Rubens: in which he has represented, his Grand-Father; his Father, himself,
his two wives, his two Daughters, and his son.1 The Picture is a very fine one.

We went also to see several private Collections; Mr. Stevens's, Mr. van Lancker's,
and Mr. Beckman's. There are a great number of very fine Picture's at all of them;
but, there is one, at Mr. Beckman's representing Rembrandt's mother; painted by Rembrandt;
which surpasses all description. The art of portrait Painting was perhaps, never carried
to so great a Perfection as in this Picture. She is represented with an old bible
in her Lap; with a paper in it, her Spectacles in one hand, and the other; upon her
breast, reflecting upon what she is supposed to have just been reading. Every step
you take the bible shows itself in a different position. It is nature itself.

At about 2. we left Antwerp, to continue our Journey, we rode as far as Halle, which
is two Posts from Bruxelles on the Road to Paris. We arrived at about 9 o'clock in
the evening.

Aug. 8th. Friday.

This morning we set out from Halle at about 3 o'clock, and rode without interruption
untill we arrived at Cambray at about 2 1/2 afternoon. We dined at Cambray, and after
dinner we went to the Cathedral Church, and saw the tomb of François de Salignac de
la Mothe, Fenelon; Archbishop, of Cambray, and author of Telemachus.1 At 4. we left Cambray and rode till 10, when we arrived at Roye where we put up for
the Night.

1. Fénelon, French prelate and author of Les aventures de Télémaque, fils d'Ulysse, first published in 1699; it was construed as a satire on Louis XIV and his policies
and brought Fénelon into disfavor (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-09

Aug. 9th. Saturday

We Left Roye this morning about 5. o'clock and rode as far as Chantilly without Interruption.
We dined at Chantilly, and I went to see the Gardens and Stables of the Prince de
Condé1 to whom this Place belongs. The Stables are a fine Piece of Architecture, and every
thing is in order. There are 240. horses in them, and each horse has his own manger;
with his name over it. Inside of the building is this Inscription.

The Gardens are Superb; there is a small river which runs down from above the Gardens,
and furnishes all the jet d'eau's with water. There are in the Gardens several small,
houses, which on the outside look like Peasants hut's, but are most elegantly furnish'd,
and are beautiful inside. There is an equestrian Statue of the Connetable de Montmarenci3 in bronze, and a marble Statue of the grand Condé.4 We left Chantilly at about 4. o'clock P.M. and arrived at Paris at about 7. o'clock
in the evening. The Land as I have already said is very good thro' Holland but is
miserable from the entrance of the Emperor's Dominions to Antwerp, for the Space of
10 leagues, from Antwerp, to several Posts this side of Cambray; there is perhaps
not better Land, nor more universally cultivated, in Europe. From thence to Paris,
it is still good, but not extraordinary. The Road is as Follows.

From the Hague to Rotterdam. 3 Dutch, Hours5 which make about 12. English Miles.

In Holland there are no establish'd Posts. If a Person wants horses, he must make
a private agreement for them. In the Dominions of the Emperor you pay 3. schellings,
(near 2. shillings sterling) for each horse per post and commonly 2. schellings to
the Guide, and in France you pay 1. Livre 5. Sols. per post for each horse, and to
the Postillions commonly 15. sols, altho' their due is no more than 5.

2. Louis Henri, Duc de Bourbon, afterward Prince de Condé (1692–1740), usually known as Monsieur le Duc, who served as French prime minister until 1726
(same).

3. Henri I, Duc de Montmorency (1534–1614), whose family intermarried with the Condés, was created constable of France by Henry
IV in 1593 (same).

4. Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé(1621–1686), important 17th-century commander of the French army (same).

5. Uur, a Dutch league, equivalent to the distance traveled in an hour. Two such measurements
were in use in Holland at this time, one, “20000 anciens pieds d'Amsterdam,” or 3.5
English miles, and the other, “20000 pieds de Rhin,” the more likely unit, equal to
3.9 English miles (Horace Doursther, Dictionnaire universel des poids et mesures anciens et modernes, contenant des tables
des monnaies de tous les pays, Brussels, 1840; repr., Amsterdam, 1965, p. 209–210).

Aug. 10th. Sunday.

This morning, at about 10 o'clock, I accompanied my Father to Passy, to see Dr. Franklin
whom I knew already, and Mr. Jay, the american Minister at Madrid, whom I had never
seen before; they were at breakfast and had a great deal of Company. Mr. Jay and my
Father took a walk in the Garden and had a Conversation upon politicks, which, is
of no Necessity here.1 From thence we went to Auteuil; to see Mr. Barclay,2 the American ConsulGeneral in France, but found he was gone, and therefore we saw
only Mr. Ridley.3 The House where they are is a very fine one; but, above all there is in it, one thing,
which is very curious. It is a small octogonal room with a bath in the middle of it,
and in every one of the eight corners of it is a Looking-glass. The cieling, is also
made of a Looking-glass; so that a person can see himself in more than thirty different
positions in it. The garden is a small and pretty one filled with fruit Trees; we
took a walk in it. Mr. Ridley told me that Sammy Cooper Johonnot and Ben. Bache, two
of my old schoolmates here had returned from Geneva, where they have been for some
time, and that Sam Cooper is gone to Nantes.

1. JQA probably means, as is hinted in the following entry, that at this time political
discussions were of no interest to him.

2. Thomas Barclay, a merchant from Philadelphia, American consul in France from 1781, and consul general
there from 1783; he was also a partner in the firm of Barclay & Moylan at Lorient.
Barclay also rented the Hôtel de Rouault at Auteuil, in which JA and JQA occupied an apartment, 22 Sept.–20 Oct., following the execution of the Definitive
Treaty, and to which JA brought his family the following summer (entries for 22 Sept., 20 Oct., below; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:143–144, 171; JCC, 20:698; 24:3; Jefferson, Papers, 11:496; Howard C. Rice Jr., ed., The Adams Family in Auteuil, 1784–1785 . . ., MHS Picturebook, Boston, 1956).

3. Matthew Ridley, a Maryland merchant and agent for the state appointed to obtain a loan in Europe
(Herbert E. Klingelhofer, “Matthew Ridley's Diary during the Peace Negotiations of
1782,” WMQ, 3d ser., 20:95–98 [Jan. 1963]).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-11

Aug. 11th. Monday.

This morning Mr. Hartley1 the British Minister for making Peace, came to pay a visit to my Father, but as he
was out he desired to see me. I had some Conversation with him. He says he hopes the
Peace will be soon signed. In the afternoon I went with my Father to Passy, and saw
there Dr. Franklin and Mr. and Mrs. Jay. I also renewed my acquaintance with young
Mr. Bache.

We went at the same time to see the Abbés Chalut and Arnauld2 two gentlemen of letters, with whom my Father has been familiarly acquainted ever
since his first arrival in Europe. We found with them the Abbé de Mably,3 famous for being the author of a work entitled Le Droit public de l'Europe; and of another entitled principes des Negociations, and the Abbé le Monnier4who has given to the world an elegant French Translation of Terence's Comedies. As the general Turn of the Conversation was upon Politicks; there was nothing in
it, necessary to be transcribed here.

1. David Hartley the younger (1732–1813), M.P. for Hull and opponent of the war with America, had been serving the Fox-North
coalition since April as plenipotentiary to negotiate and sign the Definitive Treaty
(DNB; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:303; 3:112–113).

3. Gabriel Bonnot, Abbé de Mably, French publicist, historian, and philosopher, with the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux,
was a regular visitor to the Adamses. The two works to which JQA refers, Des principes des négociations, pour servir d'introduction au droit public de l'Europe,
fondé sur les traités, The Hague, 1767, and Le droit public de l'Europe, fondé sur les traités conclus jusqu'en l'année 1740 .
. ., Amsterdam, 1748, are among JA's books (Catalogue of JA's Library). For the significance of the JA-Mably friendship, see JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:315; 3:102, and the source cited there.

4. Guillaume Antoine Lemonnier's three-volume Comédies de Térence was published in Paris in 1770.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-12

Aug. 12th. Tuesday.

This morning my Father went to Versailles. At half past 12. I met the Abbé Arnaud
at the Thuileries, and we walk'd together to Passy. I dined at the Abbé Chalut's there,
in Company with the Abbé de Mably and some other Gentlemen. The Abbé has travelled
thro' Poland, and talk'd a good deal about that Country. For the Climate he says that
for the first fortnight in November it commonly snows there continually, and from
that time untill the latter end of February, a continuation of very severe, colds.
{ 183 } He has seen Reaumur's Thermometer at the degree of 28 below.0. This is quite different
from the weather at Petersburg. There, it snows every day more or less from the middle
of November to the middle of January, and then commonly they have 3. weeks or a month
of extreme colds. I have seen Réaumur's thermometer in Petersburg at 31. degrees below.0.
He also said something upon the Constitution of Poland, upon the Slavery of the people,
the Tyranny of the Nobles, and the humiliations the Kings of Poland are obliged to
undergo, and yet he said the Ambition of every one of the nobles was to be King. As
they might expect it, because the Kingdom was Elective, and that they seldom choose,
a King out of the Family of the preceding one, he said that in Poland the nobility
had the vanity of desiring to be King, as the nobility in France, had the vanity of
wishing to be a Duke. He says also that they could not Live in Poland without the
Jews. T'was they who carried on all the commerce. The Nobility were too proud to engage
in Commerce, the Slaves could not; every thing that was done there in that way, was
done by the Jews, As there were very few other foreigners, who would chuse to settle
in that Country. In the evening as my Father return'd from Versailles to Paris, he
stopp'd at the Abbés, and took me in his Carriage. Mr. Hartley came and paid a visit
to my Father; but it was intirely Political.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-15

Aug. 15th. Friday.

This day I dined at Passy at Dr. Franklin's with a numerous Company. In the evening
I went to the Comedy at the Bois de Boulogne. Beverlei1 and le Français a Londres2 were the plays represented. Beverlei is what the French call a Tragedie bourgeoise, as Barnwell in English.3 The Subject of it is, a Man addicted to gaming, who ruins himself by it, or rather
is ruined by a villain who pretends to be his Friend; and at last puts an end to his
Life by Poison. It was intended to set the passion of gaming in its worst Light but
the execution has not answered its Purpose, for it seems to encourage, a still worse
passion; I mean suicide. However that was not the author's intention. His design was
very Laudable. Le Français a Londres is a Farce, calculated to show the difference of the French and English Characters
and the author has carried both to a pleasing extravagance. I met at the Comedy, Mr.
de Chaumont,4 whom I had not seen since I re• { 184 } turned to Paris. He asked me a great many Questions, about Sweeden, Russia, Denmark,
and all the Countries thro' which I have been.

3. The London Merchant: Or, The History of George Barnwell, London, 1731, by George Lillo.

4. Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, strong French supporter of American independence, who speculated in contracts supplying
the Continental army and outfitting the navy. He also was landlord of the Hôtel de
Valentinois, where Franklin maintained his residence rent-free from 1776 until his
return to America in 1785 (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:298).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-16

Aug. 16th. Saturday.

Dined at Mr. Brantsen's;1 the Dutch Ambassadors, with a great deal of Company. In the evening I went to the
French Comedy; the pieces represented were Rhadamiste et Zenobie a Tragedy by Crebillon2 and Le Français a Londres. The author of the Tragedy is regarded as one of the best dramatick poets of France.
His Tragedies are all very deep, indeed, they are so much so, that several of them
miscarried at their first Representation, on that account. The French in general are
not Lovers of Tragedy, and it is but lately, that they can bear any, which finishes
with the Death of the Hero. The Denouement of this piece is a King, who discovers he has killed his own Son without knowing
him. Rhadamistus is sent to the King of Iberia, as Ambassador from Rome, to complain
to him; for his arming his People, and to tell him they suspect him. In the midst
of his discourse to the King he says.

Aug. 21st. Thursday.

Aug. 22d. Friday.

This forenoon at 11 o'clock, I went, in Company with My Lord Ancram, Mr. Stewart1 and my father to see the Academy of the Abbe L'epée,2 who has undertaken to teach, people born deaf and dumb, not only to converse with
one another very fluently, but also, to read and write, and he has succeeded entirely.
It is astonishing to see how fast and how easily they make themselves understood,
to one another, and still, more so to see them write, whatever he pleases, by the
signs he makes them; there is not a word in the French Language which he has not found
some way of expressing, and making them understand. He does it all gratis and receives
whoever chooses to come to his Lessons. When the present Emperor of Germany3 visited Paris this was what pleased him the most in the whole City. He sent afterwards
his Picture set in Diamonds to the Abbé, and accompanied it with a Letter written
with his own hand; praising this humane institution.

I Dined at the Duke de la Vauguyon's the French Ambassador at the Hague, here by Congé4 at present. In the Evening I went to the French Comedy, where were represented Le Philosophe sans le savoir, and La Maison de Campagne;5 The first piece seems to be very Confused; all I could make of it was, that it was
Calculated to show the foolishness and the wickedness of the Custom of Duelling: which
have been shown many and many a Time; but always without effect and will be always
so: as long as the laws which subsist about Duelling, have force in this Country.
A Person here who fights a Duel is condemned to Death, and if any body is provoked
and refuses to fight he is regarded as infamous, and if in the Army, he is broke and
declared incapable of serving the King. This is exposing every one who is insulted
by a scoundrel to the cruel alternative of infamy or Death.

Aug 23d. Saturday.

This morning I went and paid a visit to the Baron de la Houze the Minister of France at the Court of Denmark, who is here at present by Congé, and whom I had the honour of seeing at Copenhagen. He talked to me a great deal about
America. He said he believed that France, England and Holland would carry on the greatest
part of our Commerce; that the Nations of the North wanted a number of our Commodities,
but had nothing but ready money (and very little of that) to give us in return. He
said he believed that the population of America was equal to that of Sweeden and Denmark
together; that he had made a Calculation, and that those two Kingdoms did not contain
more than four millions of souls, that Denmark would never be more peopled, while
the present Constitution lasted, for the whole Nation consisted of the Nobility and
the Serfs: and that Nothing could discourage Population more than personal Slavery,
that Sweeden it was true was not in that State; that the Peasantry were free, but
that both the Population and the Finances of that Country had been exhausted, by the
ruinous Wars of Charles the 12th. and their Consequences which were still felt in
Sweeden, but that the Commerce of that Kingdom was increasing every day, and that
it promised soon to be in a flourishing Condition, and in that Case, the Population
would also increase. He then Spoke of the Duties which ships were obliged to pay for
the passage of the Sound, he said it was an unjust tribute which all Nations were
obliged to pay to Denmark, and it was the fault of the other Nations that suffered
it. I asked him, how Denmark came by it, rather than Sweeden, the coasts of which
are on the opposite Side. He said that all those coasts belonged formerly to Denmark
when this imposition began, by some Dutch Ships having paid voluntarily a duty; and
Denmark made herself a right of it, { 187 } and have obliged every ship that passes to pay the duty; and altho' the province of
Scania which forms the Coast on the other Side, has been since ceded to Sweeden still
Denmark has kept up that right; besides, he said, there was another reason, which
was that on the Sweedish side there were several sand banks, and the water was not
deep enough for large vessells to pass over, so that they were obliged to pass very
near the Danish side. He said it brought the King a revenue of about 6 millions of
livres per annum: and that the expences of the fortress &c. mounted to about two millions.

2. John Thaxter had decided to visit London while JA was away from Paris in Holland and just shortly before his own return to the United
States (John Thaxter to John Thaxter Sr., 28 July, MHi:Thaxter Papers; JQA to Samuel Cooper Johonnot, 25 Aug., CtY:Beinecke Library).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-27

Aug. 27th.

This forenoon I went to see the Pictures which are exposed to view in the Gallery
of the Louvre; there are some good paintings there amongst a great number of indifferent
ones. After dinner I went to see the experiment, of the flying globe. A Mr. Montgolfier1 of late has discovered that, if one fills a ball with inflammable air, much lighter
than common air, the ball of itself will go up to an immense height of itself. This
was the first publick experiment of it, at Paris. A Subscription was opened some time
agone and filled at once for making a globe; it was of taffeta glued together with
gum, and lined with parchment: filled with in• { 188 } flammable air: it was of a spherical form; and was 14 foot size in Diameter. It was
placed in the Champ de Mars. At 5. o'clock 2. great guns fired from the Ecole Militaire, were the signal given
for its going, it rose at once, for some time perpendicular, and then slanted. The
weather, was unluckily very Cloudy, so that in less than 2. minutes it was out of
sight: it went up very regularly and with a great swiftness. As soon as it was out
of sight, 2. more cannon were fired from the Ecole Militaire to announce it. This
discovery is a very important one, and if it succeeds it may become very useful to
mankind.

1. The Montgolfier brothers, Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne, had made the first successful
unmanned balloon flight on 5 June 1783 (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0009-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-08-28

Aug. 28th. Thursday.

The Journal de Paris of this day, says a great deal about the flying globe. It speaks
of it as follows.

2. Jacques Alexandre César Charles, physicist and aeronaut, who, with the Montgolfiers, tested a hydrogen-filled balloon
at Champ de Mars on 2 Aug. and took part in manned experiments several months later
(same).

3.

1. Unable to make any appreciable progress with their negotiations since the signing
of the Preliminary Treaty on 30 Nov. 1782, the British ministry and American commissioners
finally accepted those preliminary articles, with some changes, { 191 } at Hartley's lodgings in the Hôtel d'York on this day (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:142; Richard B. Morris, The Peacemakers: The Great Powers and American Independence, N.Y., 1965, p. 461–465, 548, 552).

14.

1. An annual festival held on the grounds of the royal palace of St. Cloud (Journal de Paris, 4 Sept. 1785).

2. John Thaxter left for Philadelphia, carrying with him the Definitive Treaty with Great
Britain, and the original Treaty of Amity and Commerce with the Netherlands, the latter
signed at The Hague on 8 Oct. 1782 (JA to Benjamin Rush, and to the President of Congress [Elias Boudinot], both 14 Sept.,
LbC, Adams Papers; Hunter Miller, ed., Treaties and Other International Acts of the United States of America, 8 vols., Washington, 1931–1948, 2:59–90).

Saturday Septr. 20th.

The enthusiasm of the People of Paris for the flying Globes is very great, several
Propositions have been made from Persons, who to enjoy the honour of having been the
first Travellers through the air, are willing to go up in them and run ten risques
to one of breaking their necks: one of the queerest propositions, is the following
one taken from the Journal de Paris of Yesterday.

This is nearly a Copy of the print which was with the Journal de Paris.2

As this discovery is a very important one, it is worth while to collect every good
thing that has any Relation to it, the following are some verses upon the Subject,
also printed in the Journal de Paris of yesterday.

2. Pasted into D/JQA/8 on p. 30 is a pencil sketch, approximately 3″ × 4″, traced from
the original printed one, of a winged horse and rider which appeared as an insert
in the Journal de Paris. The original is laid in between p. 30 and 31.

Monday Septr. 22th.

This morning (as my Father has been for some days very ill and the Country air being
thought necessary for him) we removed from Paris to Auteuil at Mr. Barclay's.1 The flying Globes are still much in Vogue: they have advertised a small one of eight
inches diameter, at 6 livres a piece without air and 8 livres with it, but it has
been carried so far that several accidents have happened to persons who have attempted
to make inflammable air, which is a dangerous operation, so that government have prohibited
them.

1. Less than three weeks after the signing of the Definitive Treaty, the Adamses moved
from Paris into the lodgings of Thomas Barclay at Auteuil so that JA might recover from a debilitating fever. They remained there until 6 Oct. (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:142–144; entry for 10 Aug., note 2, above).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0010-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-09-24

24.

1. Ann Richardson, whom Matthew Ridley married in England in 1775, gave birth to a son,
Lucius, on this day. They were also living in the house of the Comte de Rouault at
Auteuil to which they had moved for the sake of Mrs. Ridley's health (Herbert E. Klingelhofer,
“Matthew Ridley's Diary during the Peace Negotiations of 1782,” WMQ, 3d ser., 20:95 [Jan. 1963]; Matthew Ridley, Journals, 24 Sept. 1783, MHi:Matthew Ridley Papers).

October. 17. 1783.

Left Auteuil, with my Father, for London,2 at about 9 o'clock in the morning; rode 9 ½ posts as far as St. Just and stopp'd
for the night. We dined at Chantilly.

1. First entry in D/JQA/9, which covers the period 20 Oct.–6 Dec., but lacks entries
for 27 Oct.; 5, 19, 22, 27–28 Nov.; and 3–4 Dec. This Diary booklet, measuring approximately
4½″ × 7¼″, consists of nine sheets of folded paper to create 36 pages, only 17 of
which were eventually used by JQA. The booklet is accompanied by a thinner sheet of paper, folded over like the booklet,
though somewhat shorter and wider, which is laid in at the end of diary entries for
1783. With some gaps, it contains entries for 8 Aug.–11 Sept. 1784.

2. While resting in Auteuil, JA gradually recovered from his fever, but was still “extremely emaciated and weak.”
He was urged by his friends and doctor to travel to England and take the waters at
Bath. By mid-October he had decided upon a stay there of six weeks. During all this
time JQA kept up with some of his studies. He began translating Caesar's Commentaries (M/JQA/44, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 239), probably continued to translate some of Horace's Odes (M/JQA/42,
same, Reel No. 237), a task begun under the tutelage of Dumas, and copied various
pieces of English poetry from William Enfield's highly popular anthology and elocutionary
book, The Speaker, or Miscellaneous Pieces, Selected from the Best English Writers . . ., London, 1774 (M/JQA/43, same, Reel No. 238). Most of his time, however, was probably
spent as secretary to his father, who commented that JQA wrote in “a good hand very fast, and is very Steady, to his Pen and his Books” (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:142–144; Book of Abigail and John, p. 364).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-21

Tuesday. 21st.

Set away from St. Just at about 7 ½ o'clock; dined at Amiens; the Capital of the Province
of Picardy: stopp'd at Abbeville; after having rode 11. posts.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-22

Wednesday 22d.

In our Carriage at 6 o'clock, went 9 posts before dinner. Dined at Boulogne. Arrived
at Calais at about 7 ½ o'clock having rode 13. posts. Lodged at Monsr. Dessein's:
Hotel d'Angleterre.1

1. Pierre Quillacq, or M. Dessein (or Dessin) as he was called, gained a great reputation from Laurence Sterne's allusions
to him and his hotel in A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy (AA2, Jour. and Corr., 1:8; A Sentimental Journey, ed. Gardner D. Stout, Berkeley and Los Angeles, 1967, P. 87, 336–338).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

DateRange: 1783-10-23 - 1783-10-24

Thursday 23d [–Friday. Octr. 24th.].

This morning at 10 o'clock we went on board the Packet Boat; for Dover. We got out
of the harbour with a great deal of difficulty as the wind was quite Contrary, but
as soon as we were out a Calm came on which lasted till about 11. o'clock at night.
Some wind then arose which brought us near the Port of Dover: at about 2 in the morning;
but the wind being very strong; we were obliged to go on board a Pilot Boat: which
put us on shore at about 3: in the morning of Friday. Octr. 24th.

Stay'd all day at Dover; we went up on the top of one of the cliffs: they are extremely
high: the weather was somewhat foggy, but upon a clear day; the view must be very
extensive, out at sea; and the coasts of France (which are about 20 miles distant)
must be very easily seen; and make a fine appearance. We saw upon this hill several
sheep; much larger, than any I have ever seen in France, owing probably to the manner
of keeping: the Land appears more covered with verdure, and richer than that of France;
this, my father thinks, is entirely owing to the different cultivation, as the soil
seems to be the same here as that on the other side.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-25

Saturday. Octr. 25.

We set away from Dover in a post chaise and pair; went through Canterbury; the chief
see of all England. We were told there was a curious1 Cathedral there but had not time to go to see it. We dined at Rochester: a considerable
city: 43 miles distant from Dover. We arrived at Dartford at about 4 ½ and stopp'd
there for the Night.

Sunday Octr. 26th.

We came away from Dartford at about 8. o'clock; and arrived at London at about 11:
the distance from Dover is. 72, miles: we took up Lodgings at Osborn's Adelphi Hotel John Street; in the Strand.1

1. Osborne's Hotel was in the Adelphi Buildings, extending from the Strand to the Thames,
which were constructed in 1768 by the Adam brothers and used as dwellings and warehouses;
John Street, off the Strand, was created by this development (Wheatley, London Past and Present; Walter Harrison, A New and Univer• { 197 } sal History, Description and Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster, The Borough
of Southwark, and Their Adjacent Parts . . ., London, 1775, p. 525 and illustration facing that page).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-28

Tuesday. 28th.

The forenoon we went to see the Monuments in Westminster Abbey: we saw a great Collection
of tombs of Kings, Heroes, Statesmen, and Poets. There are some very ancient monuments:
a number of figures in wax and the chairs in which the kings and Queens of England
are crowned: they are said to be more than 1400. years old: we had not time to examine
very attentively this building: and shall probably pay it another visit: At 6 o'clock.
P.M. I went to the Drury Lane Thêatre, where was represented the Tragedy of Hamlet, with the Citozen.1 I must confess; I do not think they act Tragedy so well here as in Paris: the Tragedy
was not acted, as I expected it would be: there is I think something like affectation;
throughout the actors. They lay an emphasis upon almost every word; yet in some places
they speak, both too low and too slow. For Instance, when the Ghost first appears
to Hamlet he starts and cries out

“Angels and ministers of Grace defend us,” &c.

and speaks a speech of about 20 lines: which the actor is <above> full a quarter of an hour delivering; continually in the same situation; which makes
the action of the stage languish a great deal. As for the small piece they play'd
that, I think as well as they do in France, but if I judge by this one play they do
not equal the French in Tragedy.

Wednesday 29th.

Took private lodgings; at Mr. Stockdale's,1 opposite Burlington House Piccadilly.

1. John Stockdale, London publisher and bookseller, became a long-time friend and correspondent of
JA and later of JQA. He began shortly hereafter to publish works of American authors, including a reprint
of John Almon's edition of JA's Novanglus letters, History of the Dispute with America . . ., in London, 1784 (DNB; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:149, 189, 313–314).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-30

Thursday 30th.

This forenoon I went with some Gentlemen and Ladies to dine out of town. We pass'd
over Westminster Bridge and Black Friars, and went through Islington, over High gate
hill, to Ham[p]ste[a]d; where we dined. The appearance of the Land on this [road?] is extremely rich, and at this time of year, the verdure is nearly as great, as it
is in France in the Month of May. The Prospect is said to be the finest near London.
It is very beautiful. We dined at the assembly house in Hamsted, and returned into
Town by a different Road from that out of which we went.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0011-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-10-31

Friday Octr. 31st.

Dined at Mr. Vaughan's:1 in the evening we went to the Drury Lane Theatre, where Isabella, or the Fatal marriage and the Irish Widow,2 were represented. Mrs. Siddons;3 supposed to be the first Tragick performer in Europe, play'd the part of Isabella.
A young Lady, in the next Box to where we were, was so much affected by it as to be
near fainting and was carried out. I am told that every Night Mrs. Siddons performs;
this happens, to some persons. I never heard of anything like it, in France: Whether
this proves there is more Sensibility here, that the Tragedies are deeper, or that
they are better performed, is a problem. Perhaps all those Reason's may be given.

1. Probably William or Benjamin Vaughan, sons of Samuel Vaughan, a London merchant, and
Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Hallowell of Boston. The younger Vaughans were sympathetic
to the American cause, and several later resettled in America; Benjamin, as secretary
to Lord Shelburne, was instrumental in obtaining concessions for the American commissioners
in 1782 (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:54; Early Recollections of Robert Hallowell Gardiner, 1782–1864, Hallowell, Maine, 1936, p. 118; entries for 6 Nov. 1783, 2 Oct. 1788, below).

3. Mrs. Sarah Siddons had made her triumphal return to the London stage the previous
year in this role (DNB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-01

Saturday November 1. 1783.

This morning I went with Mr. W. Vaughan to see the Paintings of Mr. Pine,1 and Mr. Copley, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. The Death of the Earl of Chatham, by Mr.
Copley, is the most Remarkable of the Paintings We saw; it is very Beautiful. We went
also to see Mrs. Wright's waxwork.2 Dined at Mr. Bingham's.3

1. Robert Edge Pine was born in London and emigrated to Philadelphia in 1784 with the intention of executing
an ambitious plan of American historical paintings and portraits of Revolutionary
leaders (DNB).

2. Mrs. Patience Lovell Wright, the American wax modeler and Revolutionary spy for America, who moved to England
in 1772 and opened a popular waxworks in London (DAB).

3. William Bingham, Philadelphia banker, land speculator, and later U.S. senator. Bingham had come to
Europe, for business and pleasure, with his wife, Ann Willing, and remained there
until 1786, seeing much of the Adamses at The Hague, Paris, and London. JQA found Bingham “Very ignorant, very vain and very empty” (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:149; entry for 18 April 1785, below).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-02

Sunday Novr. 2. 1783.

I went this forenoon to take a view of St. Paul's Church, which is the largest, and
most magnificent Protestant church now standing and excepting St. Peter's at Rome
the largest in the World. But we could not get into it, because on Sundays it is open
only in Service time; and we were there between services, so we saw only the outside
of it. It was built of a whitish stone, but the lower Parts of it are now of a browny,
smoaky Colour, occasioned by the smoke of the City; they say this gives it a Venerable
appearance; but for my Part I think it would look much better in its first Colour.
Several gentlemen dined with us.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-03

Monday Novr. 3. 1783.

Went in the Evening to the theatre, Drury Lane where Measure for Measure, with the Apprentice1 were represented. Mrs. Siddons play'd the part of Isabella in measure for measure, because it had been said, she could not speak Shakespeare's lines; and that she could
not play in Comedy; for the first part she prov'd the contrary; as she play'd extremely
well, but the critics say she has not yet play'd in Comedy; as the Character of Isabella
has nothing Comick in it; in this play; and the piece itself Notwithstanding it's
ending well, being more a Tragedy than a Comedy.

Tuesday Novr. 4th.

This forenoon we went with Messrs. Jay, Bingham, and W. Vaughan, to see the Holophusicon,
or Sir Ashton Lever's1 Museum; there is an immense Collection, of all sorts of Natural History; But the
most Compleat part is that of the birds, of { 200 } which he has between three and four thousand; they are extremely Curious; and worth
more examination than we had time to give to them. But besides this he has a Room
full of curiosities all collected in the Countries which were discovered in the last
Voyage of Captn. Cook. There are a Number of their Idols made of Wood: others of feathers
of bird: and also a kind of Robe which their Chiefs put on upon certain occasions,
made of birds feathers, their cloths and their war instruments, and their fishhooks
with the ropes. All these things are very curious, and for the most part, they are
very ingeniously done, and show those People had arrived at a certain degree of Civilization.
Their Ropes are made as well as any in Europe, and their fishhooks tho' of stone are
very well made. From Sir Ashton Lever's we went to the British Museum: which is much
more extensive, and Comprehends all sorts of Curiosities. 1. a Library of printed
books. 2. a Library of Manuscript Books. 3. Antiquities. 4. Coins and Medals and 5.
Natural History. For this Last article, Sir Ashton Lever's Collection is much more
perfect: but among the others' there are some very curious things, particularly in
the Manuscripts. We saw some original Letters of Henry the 8th. and the ensuing Kings
and Queens of England to Charles the 1st. Letters also of Oliver Cromwell, and Pope's
first Rough transcript of the Iliad. There are many more very Curious things in this
Place, but we had not time to examine them attentively.

1. Sir Ashton Lever, English collector and naturalist, founded his museum of natural history, the Holophusikon,
in Leicester Square in 1774 (DNB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-06

Thursday Novr. 6th. 1783.

This day, being Term day,1 we went, with Mr. Jennings, and saw the procession of the Lawyers, and Judges to
Westminster Hall; and we saw the four Courts; the Kings Bench, Common Pleas, Chancery,
and Exchequer, all sitting. Dined at M: W. Vaughan's.

1. That is, the beginning of Michaelmas Term, one of four yearly sessions of English
courts of law.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-07

Friday Novr. 7th.

In the forenoon I went with M: W. Vaughan; and saw the Pantheon;1 a place of public entertainment; it is only remarkable for { 201 } one Room which is very large and elegant. We went also to see the Cathedral of St
Paul's; the largest Protestant Church, extant. It is very magnificent on the outside;
but the inside is by no means extraordinary; there is one thing which they say is
to be met with no where else. It is a gallery which is about 100 yards in circumference.
If a Person whispers in it: what he says is as distinctly heared on the opposite side
as if the person was near. It is called the whispering gallery: we went up to the
top of the Church, from which we had a very fine view of the City. From thence went
to the academy of arts in the Adelphi; to see a Series of Paintings, by a Mr. Barry;
representing the Progress of Society, in six different Pictures.2

Dined at Mr. Copley's.

1. Originally a theater and public promenade, the Pantheon on Oxford Street was redesigned
by James Wyatt and reopened in 1772; the renovated building was noted chiefly for
its promenade in the rotunda (Wheatley, London Past and Present).

2. JQA has confused the Royal Academy of Arts, whose exhibition room was in the New Somerset
House, up the Strand from the Adelphi Buildings, with the Society for the Encouragement
of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, which was located at the Adelphi. James Barry's
major work, the Progress of Society, which portrayed in six pictures illustrating the cultivation of “human faculties”
in the civilization of mankind, was exhibited in the Great Room of the Society of
Arts (Walter Harrison, A New and Universal History Description and Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster,
The Borough of Southwark and Their Adjacent Parts . . ., London, 1775, p. 525; Wheatley, London Past and Present, 3:272; The Yale Edition of Horace Walpole's Correspondence, ed. W. S. Lewis and others, New Haven, 1937– ,29:33; Ralph N. Wornum, ed., Lectures on Painting by the Royal Academicians, Barry, Opie and Fusel, London, 1848, p. 42–43).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-08

Saturday Novr. 8. 1783.

Went with Mr. West1 to see the Queen's Palace called Buckingham House; from its having been built by
Villiers: Duke of Buckingham;2 in the first Chamber, are the famous Cartoons of Raphael; which were Painted on Paper
to be taken on Tapestry; at Brussels; there are 7. of them; they represented several
of the Acts of the apostles; the name of the Painter makes it unnecessary to say,
in what manner they are executed. In another Room we saw a Number of Paintings of
Vandyk, among which was a Picture of Charles the 1st. on horseback; a striking likeness
and an admirable Picture. Another Room full of Pictures of Rubens —a Room decorated
by Paintings of Mr. West: among which are, the death of General Wolfe, of the Chevalier
Bayard; and of Epaminondas, Regulus coming out of the Senate, and Hannibal, swearing
eternal enmity to the Romans.3 The Kings Library, in { 202 } which there are 90. folio volumes of Maps. His private model chamber—this is very
curious. There are the models of all the ships in the Kings service, of all the dock
yards, and fortifications: and an exact model of the fortress of Gibraltar. These
are the Principal curiosities in this House; tho' there are a great many other things
in it, worth seeing. Dined at Mr. Roger's.4

2. Buckingham House was built by John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham and of Normanby,
not George Villiers, Second Duke of Buckingham. It was subsequently sold to George
III in 1762 (Compton Mackenzie, The Queen's House, London, 1953, p. 10–12).

3. The West paintings, commissioned by George III, are listed in John Galt, The Life of Benjamin West, London, 1816–1820, repr., Gainesville, Fla., 1960, p. 207.

Sunday [9th.]

1. John Jebb, doctor of medicine, encyclopedic scholar, and a thoroughgoing supporter of America
from the outset of the quarrel between England and her colonies. JA described him as a man “for whom I have the highest Esteem; as one of the best Citizens
of the little Commonwealth of the just upon Earth” (Caroline Robbins, The Eighteenth-Century Commonwealthman ..., Cambridge, 1959, p. 370–372; JA to John Stockdale, 31 Jan. 1784, LbC, Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-10

Monday Novr. 10th.

Went to the Covent Garden Theatre. King Henry VIII. and the Lord Mayor's day, or a
flight to Lapland; with the Grand Procession. Lord Mayor's day.1

1. The day of the lord mayor of London's inauguration, held usually every 9 Nov., is
marked with a pageant known as the Lord Mayor's Show. JQA saw Lord Mayor's Day; or, A Flight from Lapland, a speaking pantomime, originally produced in 1782, representing this show, with songs
and dialogue added by John O'Keeffe. The “Grand Procession” was the afterpiece, advertised
as “an Historical Procession of the Several Companies with their respective Pageants”
(Biographia Dramatica; Hogan, ed., London Stage, 1660–1800).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-11

Tuesday Novr. 11th.

This day the Parliament met for the first Time; the Prince of Wales1 took his seat in the House of Peers, as duke of Cornwall, the King also made his
most gracious speech from the Throne: All the Peers were in their Robes which are
scarlet and white; the Kings, and the Prince of Wales's were of purple velvet.

1. George Augustus Frederick (1762–1830), Prince Regent, 1811–1820, and afterward King George IV.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-12

Wednesday Novr. 12th. 1783.

Went to the Drury Lane Theatre; the pieces represented were, the West Indian and Fortunatus.1

1. The West Indian, London, 1771, by Richard Cumberland; Fortunatus, an unpublished pantomime, by Henry Woodward, originally produced in 1753 (Biographia Dramatica).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-13

Thursday Novr. 13th.

Dined at Mr. J. Johnson.1 In the evening we went to see the Transactions of the Royal Society; but unluckily
we happened to come on a very barren Night: nothing was read, except a dry, unphilosophical
account of the late Earthquake in Calabria:2 after which we went and supp'd with the Club at the London Coffee House.3

1. Joshua Johnson (1742–1802), Maryland merchant, who undertook various commissions for the congress and his native
state during and after the Revolution, and eventually served as U.S. consul in London,
1790–1797. He was the father of Louisa Catherine, JQA's future wife, who was eight years old at this time. On JQA's first trip to Europe he had met Johnson in Nantes, where the Johnsons were then
living (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:300).

2. “Account of the Earthquake in Calabria, March 28, 1783, In a Letter from Count Francesco
Ippolito to Sir W[illiam] Hamilton. From the Italian,” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London . . ., abridged edn., ed. Charles Hutton and others, 15 (1809):373, 383–386.

3. Styled by Franklin, “the Club of Honest Whigs,” it met fortnightly on Thursdays at
the London Coffeehouse, Ludgate Hill. Its members were primarily dissenting clergymen
and men of scientific interests, and it was frequented by visiting Americans (Verner
W. Crane, “The Club of Honest Whigs: Friends of Science and Liberty,” WMQ, 3d ser., 23:210–233 [April 1966]).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-14

Friday Novr. 14th.

Dined with Mr. Grierson. In the evening; we went to see Hughes's Royal Circus, or
exercises of equitation, which are not equal to those performed by Astley at Paris
which I saw some time agone.1

1. Both Charles Hughes and Philip Astley were English equestrian performers who set up
rival shows (Raymond Toole-Scott, Circus and Allied Arts: A World Bibliography, 1500–1970, 4 vols., Derby, England, 1958–1971, 4:95; DNB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-15

Saturday Novr. 15th.

Dined at Mr. West's. In the evening I went to the Covent Garden Theatre, and saw Douglas,
and the Poor Soldier:1 Mrs. { 204 } Crawford2 appeared in the Character of Lady Randolph in Douglas.

2. That is, Mrs. Ann Spranger Barry, née Street, whose Lady Randolph in Douglas was regarded as one of her two greatest characterizations. At this time she was known
by her stage name, Mrs. Crawford (DNB).

Sunday. Novr. 23d.

1. Probably Richard Champion, a Bristol ceramist and close friend of American Commissioner Henry Laurens after
his release from the Tower. In 1782 Burke had Champion appointed to government office,
in which capacity he established contact with other Americans. In 1784 he anonymously
published Considerations on the Present Situation of Great Britain and the United States of
America . . ., urging free trade in American-West Indian commerce; a presentation copy is among
JA's books at MB (Dixon Wecter, “An Unpublished Letter of George Washington,” S.C. Hist. and Geneal. Mag., 39:151–156 [Oct. 1938]; David Duncan Wallace, The Life of Henry Laurens . . ., N.Y., 1915, p. 390–391; Catalogue of JA's Library).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-24

Monday Novr. 24th.

Genl. Roberdeau, and his Son1 dined with us. In the Evening, we went with Mr. West to the Academy of Painting sculpture
and Architecture:2 we first went into a Room where there was a naked man standing and about 25 or 30
students taking his figure, either in drawing, or in plaister: afterwards we went
and heard a very good Lecture upon Anatomy: these Lectures are Read every monday evening.
After the Lecture we went into a Room, where were a Number of Casts from the most
Remarkable Antique Statues. Some of the finest of which were 1. Apollo Pythonem Jaculans, Apollo is represented as just having shot his arrow at the serpent Pytho: it is a
very much admired Statue. 2dly. the Gladiator Repellens. This Piece is very famous and casts of it are very Common. 3dly. the Gladiator moriens, where he is represented as sitting down, to die after receiving the Wound. 4th. An
Hercules: or rather a fragment of an Hercules for the Head and neck, both the arms,
and both the legs are lost—what Remains is said to be very fine by Connoisseurs. 5th. a Venus de Medicis. This is so well known all over the world as needs nothing to be said of it. 6th.
a Laocoon which is perhaps, the finest of them all. It is supposed to be about 2500 years old;
and Virgil is said to have taken his beautiful description from it. (Aeneid Book 2. verse. 200, et seq:)3 The institution was made by the present king and, he made a present of Somerset House
a very grand building to the Royal, and Antiquarian Societies4 and to the academy of Painting &c.

1. Daniel Roberdeau, Philadelphia merchant and member of the Continental Congress, 1777–1779, who spent
1783–1784 traveling in Europe with his eldest son, Isaac. The Roberdeau and Adams
families remained close friends for three generations (Adams Family Correspondence, 2:352–353; CFA, Diary, 2:132, 133, 135; 4:130–131 and passim).

3. Verses 201–227 (Virgil, Works, in Latin and English . . ., ed. Joseph Warton, 3d edn., 4 vols., London, 1778, 2:150–153, one of several editions
JQA owned at this time, and now at MQA).

4. The Royal Society of London for the Advancement of Natural Science, chartered by Charles
II in 1663 and given apartments in the new Somerset House in 1782, and the Society
of Antiquaries of London, chartered by George II in 1751 and given apartments in 1781
(Wheatley, London Past and Present).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-25

Tuesday Novr. 25th.

Went to the Covent Garden Theatre, and saw the Castle of Andalusia, with the Devil upon two Sticks.1

Saturday Novr. 29th.

In the morning at about 9 o'clock, set out for Richmond which is 10. miles from London,
and said to be the most Beautiful Spot in England, and perhaps in Europe. It is upon
a hill, which Commands a vast plain in which Plain the River Thames runs winding about
for a great ways <in the midst> of the Meadows, which even at this Time are covered with verdure.1 Returned to Town to Dine.

1. The purpose of the excursion, JA later recalled, was to visit former Massachusetts governor Thomas Pownall and Pennsylvania
proprietor Richard Penn (Diary and Autobiography, 3:151).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0012-0025

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-11-30

Sunday. Novr. 30th.

Dined at Mr. Bingham's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0013-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-12-01

Monday Decr. 1st. 1783.

This evening I went with Mr. West to the Academy of Painting &c. and had the same
entertainment as that of which I spoke last Monday.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0005-0013-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1783-12-02

Tuesday Decr. 2d.

This day my father dined out; in the evening I went to the Drury Lane Theatre, had
the Beaux Stratagem with the Ladies Frolick.1

Saturday. Decr. 6th. 1783.

1. William Vassall, once a prominent Bostonian, now a loyalist refugee, whom JA later described as “one of my old friends and clients ... a man of letters and virtues,
without one vice that I ever knew or suspected, except garrulity” (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 9:349–359; JA, Works, 10:214–215).

1. In the latter part of Dec. 1783, JA and JQA traveled from London to Bath via Oxford, but were unable to remain long at the famous
spa because of the unsettling news that the Dutch loan which JA had obtained the previous summer had been overdrawn. Although JA's health had improved little during his short stay in England, he and JQA left London on 2 Jan. 1784 for Amsterdam in order to secure another loan. They arrived
at The Hague ten days later, after a long, exhausting, and disagreeable journey across
the channel and a difficult trip, partially by foot, across the Dutch islands of Goeree
and Over Flackee and then to the mainland by iceboat (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:151–154; JQA to Peter Jay Munro, 13, 16 Jan. 1784, NNMus).

During winter and spring at The Hague, JQA was “wholly devoted to his studies” and giving JA “intire Satisfaction” with his work (Book of Abigail and John, p. 374). In these months JQA completed a 237-page English translation of the Aeneid (M/JQA/45, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 240), a 462-page French translation of Suetonius' Lives of the Twelve Caesars (M/JQA/44, same, Reel No. 239), and a 60-page French translation of Tacitus' Life of Gnaeus Julius Agricola (same).

JQA's studies were interrupted by his trip to London in May 1784. For some time AA had entertained the hope of eventually joining her husband in Europe, but it was
not until the completion of the Definitive Treaty and the prospect of termination
by congress of JA's commission in the near future that JA wrote and insisted that she and AA2 join him and JQA as soon as they were able to come. Believing that AA and AA2 would take passage on John Callahan's ship, scheduled to sail in April 1784, JA sent JQA to London in May to meet his mother and sister. JQA's trip served a double purpose, as JA also wanted him to visit the House of Commons and the law courts. But as the weeks
went on with no sign of the Adams women, JA impatiently recalled his son, remarking that “you have had a Taste of the Eloquence
of the Bar and of Parliament: but you will find Livy and Tacitus, more elegant, more
profound and Sublime Instructors, as well as Quinctilian Cicero and Demosthenes” (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:156; Book of Abigail and John, p. 363–364; AA to JA, 3 Jan. 1784; Isaac Smith Sr. to JA, 13 March 1784; JQA to JA, 20 May, 1 June 1784; JA { 208 } to JQA, 28 May, 21 June 1784, all in Adams Papers).

In late July, a month after JQA's return to The Hague, he and his father received word that AA and AA2 had arrived in London and were staying at Osborn's Adelphi Hotel. On 30 July, JQA was in London, and within a little more than a week the Adamses were joined by JA (William Vans Murray to JQA, 23 July; JQA to JA, 30 July; JA to JQA, 1 Aug., Adams Papers). The whole family soon left for Paris and Auteuil, where JQA was to remain until the following May, when he returned to America. Throughout the
remainder of 1784, JQA continued with his classical studies, making another English translation of Horace's
Art of Poetry (M/JQA/45, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 240) and a 253-page English translation of Sallust's History of Catiline (M/JQA/27, same, Reel No. 222); possibly he continued his English translations of
Tacitus (M/JQA/45, same, Reel No. 240), whose works he had begun earlier in the year.
JQA's scattered and somewhat sketchy diary entries from this point until the end of the
year, when he began a more complete day-by-day accounting of his activities, are supplemented
in part by AA2's journal.

Monday [16th.]

Tuesday [17th.]

1. Over the course of the preceding four months, JA in correspondence with Thomas Barclay had made arrangements to rent the house in
which he and JQA had obtained apartments shortly after the signing of the Definitive Treaty (entry
for 10 Aug. 1783, note 12, above). The Hôtel de Rouault and the Adamses' life there are colorfully described
by AA in Howard C. Rice Jr., ed., The Adams Family in Auteuil, 1784–1785 . . ., MHS Picturebook, Boston, 1956.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0006-0001-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1784-08-18

Wednesday [18th.]

1. David Humphreys, a former aide-decamp to Washington, was appointed on 12 May secretary to the Commission
(which included JA, Franklin, and Jefferson) to negotiate treaties of amity and commerce with foreign
powers (DAB; JCC, 27:375). Humphreys later became known as one of the Hartford Wits.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0006-0001-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1784-08-19

[19th.]

Thursday went into Paris shopping.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0006-0001-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1784-08-21

Saturday. [21st].

Went to Paris. Gave Gregson a watch to repair. Am to have it again, Wednesday next.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0006-0001-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1784-08-22

Sunday August 22d.

Mr. Jefferson and his Daughter,1 Coll: Humphreys, and Genl.2[] dined with us.

1. Martha Jefferson had only recently arrived with her father in Paris from America.
She remained in France, attending school and studying French, until the end of Jefferson's
diplomatic mission in 1789 (Edward T. James and others, eds., Notable American Women, 1607–1950: A Biographical Dictionary, 3 vols., Cambridge, 1971).

2. Left blank in MS. Probably Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who sailed from New York on 15 July and left Paris
for Poland on 27 Aug. (AA2, Jour. and Corr., 1:16; Memorial Exhibition: Thaddeus Kosciuszko . . . Revealed in a Collection of Autograph
Letters by Him . . . Being the Collection Formed by Dr. and Mrs. Alexander Kahanowicz, N.Y., [1927], introduction, p. 3, text, p. 14).

[2d.]

Friday [3d].

Mr. and Mrs. Mather,1 and Mrs. Hay2 dined with us. Went to the French Comedy and saw le mariage de Figaro.

1. Samuel Mather and his wife, Margarette (Gerrish) Mather; he was the son of the Rev. Samuel Mather.
Young Samuel had been chief clerk of the Boston customs office until he fled to England
with the loyalists, but he returned to Massachusetts after his father's death (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 7:233).

[6th.]

1. Nathaniel Tracy had come to France via Cowes with Jefferson and his daughter Martha aboard his vessel
Ceres, which had sailed from Boston in early July. His purpose was to settle claims against
his firm; his lack of success eventually contributed to his worsening financial plight
(Jefferson, Papers, 7:363–364; Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 17:250).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0006-0002-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1784-09-07

Tuesday[7th].

Dined at Mr. Tracy's and went in the evening to see la métromanie, and Crispin Rival de son Maitre,1 at the french Comedy.

[Titlepage]

1. Titlepage for D/JQA/10, covering the inclusive dates mentioned, with only occasional
gaps. The top line on this and the following page are written in an earlier hand,
presumably the date on which he purchased the blank book. The same inscription appears
on the top of the titlepages of D/JQA/11 and 12, which are identical 380-page leather-bound
books all measuring 4¼” × 6¾”.

Paris. Varietés; at the palais Royal. Small Théatre, built in three weeks time. Le nouveau parvenu. Le palais du bon gout. L'lntendant Comédien malgré lui. Le mensonge
excusable.2Volange,3 an excellent actor for the lowest kind of Comic-plays seven or eight parts in one
piece with a wonderful facility. One or two other actors, good in their way. Yet I
wonder how people of any delicacy, and especially Ladies can frequent this and the
other small { 213 } { 214 } Théatres in Paris. The plays acted have seldom much wit, and almost universally are
very indecent. I know not what this People would not run to; their taste seems to
be entirely corrupted. The french Théatre is deserted, when those pieces, which do
honour to the nation are represented, and these theatres are always crowded, though
they present nothing but low buffoonery, and scrurrility. O tempora, O mores! Letters
from America4 when we return'd. None for me.

1. JQA most likely intended to continue his Diary on 2 Jan., but “4th.” has been written
over in its place. The fourth is probably the correct date (and hence, the entry following
this is incorrect), as AA in letters she wrote between 3 and 7 Jan. makes several references to letters received
on 4 Jan. (See letters by her cited in note 54, below.) On the other hand, AA2 has placed these events in her diary on 3 Jan. (Jour. and Corr., 1:39–40).

14th.

Paris. At the post; paid 235. livres for a parcel of packets. Walk'd in the Palais
Royal. Large Company. Few Ladies.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-17

17th.

Paris. Italian Theatre. 1st. Representation of Alexis et Justine.1 Went before 5. o'clock. Could not find one place high nor low. Went to the Grands
Danseurs du Roi,2 in a fiacre,3 for neither Servants nor carriage were to be found. Le trousseau d'Agnes. Le Qui-pro-quo de l'hotellerie.4Rope dancing. Sophie de Brabant, Pantomime. Just such another Théatre as the Varietés. Plays just calculated to please the mob.
Rope dancing, is surprizing at first sight, and pleases. Placide. Le petit Diable et la jeune Anglaise,5 very good. Comedy of Errors all this evening. Lost Appleton, and the Ladies. We however
all met at Mr. Jefferson's, where my father spent the Evening. Late before we got
home.

2. A vaudeville troupe founded by Jean Baptiste Nicolet, which performed “au fronton
de” Théâtre de Nicolet on the Boulevard du Temple. These outdoor performances or “parades”
were used to draw a crowd, and this company, within the theater, performed comic opera
from the repertoire of the Comédie Italienne. Louis XV gave the troupe its title of
the Grands Danseurs du Roi in 1772. They performed the two pieces described in note 4 (Emile Campardon, Les spectacles de la foire, 2 vols., Paris, 1877, 1:384; 2:151–152; René Héron de Villefosse, Histoire de Paris, Paris, 1950, p. 225–226; Journal de Paris, 17 Jan.; Brenner, Bibliographical List).

18th.

Ambassador's day at Versailles, every Tuesday. Mr. A. went. Alexis et Justine, succeeded very well last night at the Italians. Words, Monvel, music, de Zede, celebrated authors. Dr. Jemm1 dined with us. A singular Character.

1. Possibly Guillaume Jaume, of Lyons, a friend of the Abbés Chalut and Arnoux, who advised Franklin and Col.
Gabriel Johonnot on the education of their grandson and son, respectively (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 2:409; 4:64, 446).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-19

19th.

Paris. Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Parker,1 went for England. Saw Mr. Waring.2 Breakfasted at the Hôtel de Modene. Appleton and Parker set off in the diligence,
at about 12 1/2.

1. John Parker Jr., a South Carolinian admitted to the Middle Temple in 1775 who later served in the
Continental Congress (Edward Alfred Jones, American Members of the Inns of Court, London, 1924, p. 166; Biog. Dir. Cong.).

21st.

Paris. Dined at Mr. Jeffersons. Captn. Paul Jones1 told us the Marquis de la Fayette was arrived.2Vrais Principes de la Langue Française, Synonimes François de M: l'Abbe Girard.3Abdir, a new piece was announced for to day at the French Théatre, but is put off to next
Wednesday.4 Mr. Blanchard cross'd from Dover to Calais in an air balloon, the 7th of the month,
accompanied by Dr. Jefferies.5 They were obliged to throw over their cloathes to lighten their balloon. Mr. Blanchard
met with a very flattering reception at Calais, and at Paris. He and his companion,
have been applauded at the Théatres. The king has given him twelve thousand livres,
and a pension of 1200 [livres] a year. All that has as yet been done relative to this discovery, is the work of
the French. Montgolfier, Pilâtre de Rozier, and Blanchard will go down, hand in hand
to Posterity.

1. Jones was in Paris as congressional agent to recover prize money due officers and
men of three ships. Shortly after his arrival in Dec. 1783, Franklin augmented Jones'
authority to include the prize money due to any American ship formerly under his command.
Jones' negotiations with the French minister of Marine concluded in Oct. 1784, but
payment was long delayed (Samuel Eliot Morison, John Paul Jones: A Sailor's Biography, Boston, 1959, p. 336–341).

2. Lafayette was returning from a short, sentimental, and successful tour of the United
States begun the previous August (Gottschalk, Lafayette, 4:83–138).

4. Abdir, Paris, 1785, by Edme Louis Billardon de Sauvigny, was first produced the following
Wednesday, 26 Jan., then reduced to three acts on 31 Jan., when JQA saw and described it (Brenner, Bibliographical List; Journal de Paris, 26 Jan.).

5. François Blanchard (usually called Jean Pierre), the French aeronaut, and John Jeffries, the Massachusetts-born
loyalist and physician to the Adamses when they later lived in London. After an initial
experimental flight together on 30 Nov., Blanchard and Jeffries made their historic
crossing of the Channel on 7 Jan., landing in the Forest of Guines, near Calais (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale; Mary Beth Norton, “America's First Aeronaut: Dr. John Jeffries,” History Today, 18:722–729 [Oct. 1968]; AA to Mary Smith Cranch, 25–27 Feb. 1787, MWA).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-25

25th.

Mr. Jefferson, and Mr. Short.1 The Marquis de la Fayette is not arrived. Mrs. Barclay.

27th.

Company to dine Mr. d'Asp,1 and another Swedish gentleman. Mr. Setaro a Portuguese gentleman in the Evening.
Mr. Williams2 spent the evening with us. Coll. Humphreys presented to Mr. A: a copy of his Poem
address'd to the Armies of the United States.3 It appears very well written. The versification is in general noble, and easy. It
is a recapitulation of some of the principal events that happened during the course
of the late Revolution, and contains predictions concerning the future grandeur of
the United States. May they be verified!4

2. Jonathan Williams Jr., who joined his great-uncle Benjamin Franklin in France in 1776 and served as U.S.
commercial agent at Nantes (DAB).

3. “A Poem, Addressed to the Armies of the United States of America,” New Haven, 1780,
repr. Paris and London, 1785 { 218 } (Dexter, Yale Graduates, 3:417–418). JA's presentation copy, presumably of the Paris edition (see AA2, Jour. and Corr., 1:45), has not been found.

4. A red exclamation mark here was probably added after 1 Feb., when JQA began to record dates in red ink.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-28

28th.

Paris in the Evening. French Theatre. Iphigenie en Aulide, of Racine, and l'Aveugle Clairvoyant.1 Though the tragedy is perhaps the best that is acted upon the Theatre, and though
they had last night several of the best players, to act it, the House was not half
full. Such is the present taste in this Kingdom. Brizards2 in Agamemnon is not I think so good as in some other parts: though it is a very disagreeable
Character to support. De la Rive, in Archilles is excellent. Mlle. Saintval in Iphigenia,
Mlle. Raucourt in Clytemnestra, and Mlle. Thenard3 in Eriphile, are good. Fleury4 in the small piece was, admirable. When we returned, found 3. Letters, for me. W.
Warren. C. Storer. Mr. Dumas.5

5. Winslow Warren to JQA, 4 Jan.; C. W. F. Dumas to JQA, 21 Jan.; the third not found (both in Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-29

29th.

Paris afternoon, alone. Mr. Jeffersons. He looks much afflicted. The last letters,
brought him news of the death of one of his daughters:1 he has a great deal of Sensibility. Bought books.2

1. Jefferson received the news of the death of Lucy Elizabeth (b. 1782), his second daughter
by that name, in a letter from James Currie, 20 Nov. 1784, which was received on 26
Jan., carried by Lafayette (Jefferson, Papers, 6:186; 7:441, 538–539).

30th.

<31> The Marquis de la Fayette was here in the evening. He appears very well satisfied
with his last voyage to America.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0003-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-01-31

31st.

Paris in the afternoon. French Theatre. Abdir, and le Roi de Cocagne.1 Abdir is a new piece. This was only the 2d. Representation: ’tis the history of young
Asgill,2 brought upon the Stage, under feigned names. G. Britain is Nangés. Vazercan is General
Washington. Abdir is Asgill. The King of Persia is the King of France, who at the
end of the Piece sends an Ambassador to the new Republic, requesting the pardon of
Abdir. The Author has not given so much interest I think to the piece, as the Subject
is susceptible of; and it is something so new, that I don't know by what name to call
it. It is not a Tragedy: for the Hero of the piece is a private person, who is known
only by that even which was produced merely by chance. It is not a Comedy, for there
is not a character in it, that has any thing comic in it, and the drift of the Piece,
is entirely tragic. There are however a number of excellent, and very liberal sentiments.
The compliments paid to the French king and nation, are not outrés. Much is said in praise of Liberty, and of the People that defended it. Even the British
are treated in a very generous manner, as they always are upon the french Stages although
the English upon their Theatres take every opportunity they can to ridicule and debase
this Nation. Nolé3 in Abdir, and Madame Vestris4 in the mother, made as much of their parts as they could. Le Roi de Cocagne, is one of the most laughable, and most absurd pieces I ever saw; Dugazon,5 delivered the part of the King very well.

2. Charles Asgill, the British officer captured at Yorktown, who was selected for execution in retaliation
for the hanging by American loyalists of Capt. Joshua Huddy of the New Jersey militia.
His ultimate release came through the initiative of his mother, who sent an appeal
for her son's life to Vergennes, who, in turn, laid the matter before Louis XVI and
his queen. So moved were they by the plea, that they directed Vergennes to write to
Washington, who sent the letter to the congress, which voted for Asgill's release
(DNB).

6th.

Enter Miss A. in the evening, and cries out, “Callahan1 is arrived, and a bushel of Letters. One for you Sir from C. Storer:”2 and away she flew. Miss had a dozen at least: there were very few for any body else.3

7th.

Dined at Mr. Jefferson's. Masks in the [rue de] Fauxbourg St. Antoine and in the ruë St. Honoré.1 With reason, are the Parisians called by all the rest of the Nation badauds2 de Paris, for nothing can be conceived more stupid, than this Carnaval amusement.
An hundred people perhaps run about the streets in masks, and there are ten thousand
people without masks looking upon them: it is said however that this diversion is
going much out of fashion; and that the Police, are obliged to hire a vast number
of People, to set the example: two thirds of the Masks, are paid, say they. Thus does
this government take every measure imaginable, to keep the eyes of the People shut,
upon their own situation: and they really do it very effectually.

8th.

Coll. Humphreys. In the afternoon, went through Passy, to Paris. Mr. Jefferson's.
Saw the Masks again, a vast number more to day than yesterday. Shrove Tuesday last
day of the Carnaval. French Comedy. But could get no places. A rare thing.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-11

11th.

Paris Afternoon. Coll. Humphreys and Mr. Short, went with us to see Astley's equestrian
exercises which, may be seen once or twice with pleasure, but which are tiresome,
to one who has seen them as often as I have. Astley exhibits from October till february
in Paris, and the rest of the year in London. His Amphitheatre here, is generally
very full: he might make a very large fortune, but spends as much as he gains. Ce qui vient par la flute, s'en retourne par le tambour say the french. This evening a contest arose between two persons about a place; one
of them appeared to be a Gentleman, and was well drest. The other look'd like an upper
Servant: he was there to keep three places which had been taken beforehand. The Gentleman
wanted to place a Lady he had with him, in one of the Places, and after a few words
had passed, he called for the Officer that was to <keep the Peace> maintain order who immediately decided that the Gentleman was in the right: this
is always the case, in France, and I believe that had the other Person, been a Chevalier
de St. Louis, or a person of distinction, the Officer would have decided the matter
very differently. In England they fall into the other extreme, and the Populace commit
the most outrageous disorders, unpunish'd. Of the two evils, the french I think is
the most supportable; you are only exposed to humiliation, whereas in England, your
life is really not out of danger. Mr. Jefferson informed us that he has learnt by
a Letter from New-York dated Jany. 5 that Congress are sitting in that City.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-12

12th.

Mr. A. Dined in Paris at the Duke of Dorset's.1 Very cold weather: as much so, I think, as any, we have had this Season.

1. John Frederick Sackville, third Duke of Dorset, the English ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary at
Paris, 1783–1789 (DNB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-14

14th.

Dined at Dr. Franklin's with a great deal of Company, among the rest Dr. Jeffries
who lately cross'd with Mr. Blanchard, from Dover to Calais. He is a small man: has
not an agreeable address, but seems to be very sensible: he related his voyage: in
which his intrepidity had well nigh been fatal to him: the balloon descended he says,
¾ of a mile in 2. minutes: he and Mr. Blanchard were both of them obliged to throw
almost all their cloaths in the water. At one time they were not more than 20 yards
above the surface. Mr. B——g——m1 who decides upon all subjects in a more positive manner than I think he would if
he was versed well in any, said it was impossible for a balloon to remain steady in
one place; because said he, there is nothing to resist it: Messrs. Roberts in the
account they gave of their last voyage in the air say that at one time for five minutes
their balloon did not stir forward: they saw the shadow of it upon the ground, and
were therefore sure of what they advanced: this was alledged but Mr. B——g——m said
M: M: Roberts were fools: this was the shortest way by which he could prove the truth
of his assertion.

1. That is, William Bingham, Philadelphia banker and land speculator, whom JQA met in London.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-15

15th.

Paris, afternoon. Carried Mr. A's Letter to the Abbé de Mably,1 requesting him to write a moral, and political Catechism. The Abbés de Chalût and
Arnoux read it. Went to Messieurs le Couteulx,2 for money, and was bad to come tomorrow. Bought the abridgement of Wolff's course
of Mathématics in french.3

16th.

Paris, afternoon. Returned to Messrs: le Couteulx, for Mr. Gs1 business and finished it. Mr. Jefferson's. A man of universal learning and very pleasing
manners. Memorandum: borrowed 2 vols. of the Tableau de Paris.2

2. [Louis Sebastien Mercier], Tableau de Paris. Nouvelle édition corrigée & augmentée. Jefferson had only the first six of twelve volumes, which were published in Amsterdam
in 1782–1783 (E. Millicent Sowerby, comp., Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson, 5 vols., Washington, 1952–1959, 4:122–123; entry for 11 March, below).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-19

19th.

Dined at the Swedish Ambassadors:1 the Company was not very numerous: a number of Sweeds, one, who lately came from
America: the Ambassador said to me: mon dieu que Mlle. vôtre soeur est jolie! j'ai
vu peu d'aussi jolies femmes qu'elle: he thought doubtless, that I should tell her
what he said: he is a very agreeable man. The Gentleman lately from America, professes
to be charmed with the Country: especially with NewPort in Rhode Island: he admired
the Ladies very much. We had a very elegant dinner, served entirely in silver, but
it was not so splendid, as I have seen at the same table: the generality of the foreign
Ambassadors here live in a great degree of magnificence: the Sweedish Ambassador pays
nine thousand livres a year for his house without an article of furtinure in it. Mr.
Brantzen, one of the Dutch Ambassadors gives for his house, all furnished eighteen
thousand livres per an: and I have heard him boast of his having it very cheap. Count
d'Aranda, the Spanish Ambassador gives twenty eight thousand livres every year for
his house: every thing else must be in proportion; the same Count d'Aranda has sixty
persons in his service, and spends doubtless more than ten thousand pound sterling
annually. No Ambassador at this Court spends less, I am persuaded, than 6,000 sterling.

21st.

All dined at the Marquis de la Fayette. There was a considerable company, mostly composed
of Americans. We saw two of the Marquis's children; he has three; but the other is
out at nurse at Versailles. His son is called George Washington: about 4 years old,
a very pretty child: the Legislature of the State of Connecticut have lately made
his father and him, citizens of that State. The Marquis's youngest daughter is named
Virginia. Madame is a very agreeable woman, and has a pleasing countenance: She is
extremely fond of her husband and children, which is a most uncommon circumstance:
especially as when they were married, neither of them was more than 12 years old:
She told my father that Mrs. Jay, did not like the french Ladies. “Ni moi, non plus.” And that if Monsr. le Marquis goes to America again, she will go with him.1 The Marquis brought with him from America, a young Gentleman, of the age of about
14: his name is Colwel2 and his father was barbarously murdered by the British, during the War in New Jersey.

1. Anastasie Louise Pauline de Lafayette, later Comtesse de Latour-Maubourg; George(s)
Washington de Lafayette, godson of Washington, and later a soldier and politician;
Marie Antoinette Virginie de Lafayette, later Marquise de Lasteyrie; Marie Adrienne
Françoise de Noailles de Lafayette, wife of the Marquis (Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, ed. Stanley J. Idzerda and others, Ithaca, N.Y., 1977– , I:xliv-xlv, 477–478; Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale).

2. John Edwards Caldwell, son of Rev. James Caldwell of Elizabethtown, N.J., whom Lafayette had educated in
a French boarding school. Caldwell later returned to the United States, where he was
a philanthropist in New York city and a founder of the American Bible Society (Louis Gottschalk, Lafayette, 4:142, 161–162; Nicholas Murray, “A Memoir of the Rev. James Caldwell, of Elizabethtown,”
N.J. Hist. Soc., Procs., 1st ser., 3:88 [May 1848]).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-22

22d.

My father went to Versailles. Mr. Short went with him to be presented at Court. Variable
Weather: much Snow in the morning, fair weather at noon, and Stormy again, in the
Evening. The Duke of Dorset said to my father, while they were passing from one chamber
to another “what nonsensical business all this noisy parade is!” My father said it
was curious that a person like him, who had from his Childhood been brought up to
it, should speak in that manner of it: “I have always hated it,” replied the Duke,
“and I have avoided it whenever I possibly could.” Thus { 226 } it is almost universally. People who pass all their lives in Pomp and Parade, are
as much averse to it, as any body; and yet they do not abolish it; and nothing is
more difficult than laying aside established customs, though every body agrees, that
they are absurd.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-24

24th.

Paris in the morning. Mr. Williams and Mr. Franklin went with us. They breakfasted
at M: de St. Olympe's.1 I went to Gogué et Née de la Rochelle, booksellers Quai des Augustins. Bought Rollin's histoire Romaine, and Mr. Necker's
book.2 Mr. Jefferson was not at home: nor any body at his House. Mr. Franklin3 has taken lessons of animal magnetism, he laugh'd at it much; yet said it was a very
useful discovery.

2. Charles Rollin, L' Histoire romaine, depuis la fondation de Rome jusqu'à la bataille d'Actium . .
., 7 vols., Paris, 1738–1741. JQA's set mentioned here may be one of two different sixteen-volume editions at MQA, both of which bear his bookplate, and one of which also carries his autograph. Of
the several works of Jacques Necker, French financier and statesman, in the Adams
libraries, the only contemporary publication bearing JQA's bookplate is De l'administration des finances de la France, 3 vols., [Paris], 1784.

3. William Temple Franklin, the natural son of Benjamin Franklin's natural son William, had served as his grandfather's
secretary since 1776. Temple was a member of the Paris Société de L'Harmonie, a group
founded by the followers of Frederick Anthony Mesmer. Mesmer, a Vienna-trained physician,
claimed to have discovered the property of animal magnetism, a fluid conducted by
a kind of occult force in himself which contained curative powers. Owing in large
part to Mesmer's great success in Paris, Louis XVI appointed Benjamin Franklin in
March 1784 a member of a royal commission to examine the subject of animal magnetism,
which was denounced in their report that summer. Franklin doubted its existence, and
the cures claimed for it strengthened his belief in mankind's credulity (Franklin, Papers, 1:lxii; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:356; 3:102–103, 169; Claude-Anne Lopez and Eugenia W. Herbert, The Private Franklin, N.Y., 1975, p. 255–258).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-25

25th.

Paris. At the Opera. Panurge dans l'lsle des Lanternes;1 a new Opera. 12th time. Words, which are very indifferent M: Morel: music, which
is exquisite M: Gretri. I dont know how it happens, but the more this gentleman composes,
the better his music is, I think. The dancing was also admirable, Gardel,2 and Vestris,3 perhaps the two best dancers in the world, performed together; and strove to surpass
one another. Mesdemoiselles Saunier, Langlois and Zacharie, were much applauded. Such
{ 227 } magnificent Scenery, such rich dresses, such delicious music, vocal and instrumental,
and such inimitable dancing, combined together, appear rather an effect of enchantment
than of art: I never yet saw an Opera, with so much Pleasure. The words are very bad.

1. A comedy by Étienne Morel de Chédeville (sometimes Chefdeville), Paris, 1785, with
music by André Grétry; it was performed at the Académie Royal de Musique (Brenner, Bibliographical List;Journal de Paris, 25 Feb.).

26th.

M: de St: Olympe: Mr. Franklin and Mr. Williams dined with us. The first is a west
Indian; who is going in a short time to America: Mr. Franklin has been so long in
France, that he is more a Frenchman than an American: I doubt whether he will enjoy
himself perfectly if he returns to America.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0004-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-02-27

27th.

1. Benjamin Pickman, son of the Salem merchant of the same name. The father disapproved of the course
of pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts politics and left America for England in 1775.
The son was making a tour of France and returned to Boston via London with his father
in the spring. Later he studied law, spending some time in Theophilus Parsons' law
office with JQA; but like his father, he entered commerce (George Francis Dow, The Diary and letters of Benjamin Pickman . . . and Genealogy of the Pickman Family, Newport, R.I., 1928, p. 27–28, 146; Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 14:489–492; entry for 23 Feb. 1788, below).

28th.

Paris. Bought of Froullé bookseller quai des Augustins Crevier's Histoire des Empereurs Romains.1 Spent half an hour with Mr. Blakely: he goes for London next monday. Mr. Pickman
was not at home, nor Mr. Waring, nor any body at Mr. Jefferson's; I waited there an
hour for them to return; but in vain. I passed an hour with the abbés de Chalût and
Arnoux: Abbé de Mably was with them. This gentleman is very famous in the litterary
world: he has written a great deal; upon the subject of { 228 } morals and politics, and of late four letters containing Observations upon the Constitutions
of America,2 which he addressed to my father.

2. Observations sur le gouvernment et les loix des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, Amsterdam, 1784; transl. Remarks Concerning the Government and Laws of the United States of America: In Four
Letters, Addressed to Mr. Adams, London, 1784. Copies of both are in JA's library at MB.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-01

Tuesday March 1st. 1785.

Coldest weather we have had this year. Reaumur's thermometer at 8 degrees below the
freezing point. Abbé de Chalût told me last evening, that neither he nor his brother,
(and they are both turned of seventy,) remember ever to have experienced so cold weather
in the beginning of March.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-02

2d.

Paris afternoon. La Servante Maitresse,1 and, the 20th. Representation of Richard Coeur de Lion, an Opera, at the Italian Comedy. The words are of Sèdaine and the Music of Gretri. It is a delightful Piece, and the music like all the rest of Mr. Gretri's compositions
is admirable. We were early, but could get only very bad places; I never saw any Théatre
more crowded, and a vast number of persons could get no Places at all. Philippe play'd
Richard, and Clairval Blondel: this is a charming Character, and was very well acted.
Mlle. Rosalie in Blondel's guide, was interesting, as also Mlle. Colomb, in the Countess
of Flanders. The First Piece, is a translation of the Serva padrona, of the famous Pergolezzi, but it is a very bad one. The music, is perhaps some of
the best ever composed, but the piece has no effect upon the Théatre. There are in
this Piece only two speaking Characters and one mute personage.

4th.

Letters from America as late as January 1st.1 by the way of England: One from Mr. Jay at New York, of Jany 14th2 to the Ministers, informing them of his having accepted the place of Minister for
foreign affairs.

2. “Jany. 14th” was written over a date in December (day illegible), which accounts for
the inconsistency with the first clause in this entry. The letter is printed in Jefferson, Papers, 7:606.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-05

5th.

Company to dine. Mr. Bleakly took charge of some Letters for London, one for Mr. Elworthy.1 He goes on Monday. Mr. Pickman sets out for London too, in the Course of the next
week. I dined with him last June at London, on board Captn. Callahan's ship. He belongs
to Salem, and is a very agreeable young Gentleman. Mr. Waring thinks of going to America
in May, about the time I shall: Indeed it is not improbable that we shall go together:
though he wishes to go from London, first. Mrs. Bingham came in the evening, and spent
an hour with the Ladies. She looks very unwell: has had the tooth ache, violently
for almost ten days. She is going to Switzerland, and to Italy next summer. Mr. B.
made a very large fortune during the War by privateering, and since the Peace, came
to Europe to enjoy it.

7th.

Dined at the Marquis de la Fayettes. The Chevalier de la Luzerne1 dined there has been in the Country for some Months past. M: de Camaran a young french gentleman who went to America with the Marquis the last time was asked
by Mrs. B. what part of America he liked best. He did not know from what part she
was, and answered Boston. “I never was there” said Mrs. B. The Gentleman was embarass'd
when he found she was a Philadelphian; but she added j'aime beaucoup mieux l'Europe que l'Amerique. Mrs. B. is handsome, about 20 years of age, and her husband is supposed to be, and
lives as if he was, very rich; so it is not very astonishing that she prefers Europe
to her own Country.

1. Anne César, Chevalier de La Luzerne, the masterful French minister to the United States, 1779–1784, described by Bemis
as having “exercised a more complete ascendency over the Government of the United
States than any foreign envoy since his time.” JA and JQA had first become acquainted with La Luzerne on their return from France in 1779.
On board La SensibleJQA taught English to the French minister, who was impressed with young Adams' mastery
of the language (Samuel Flagg Bemis, The Diplomacy of the American Revolution, N.Y., 1935, p. 102–103; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:385).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-09

9th.

Paris. Mr. Williamos1 went with us to see the Gallery of Pictures belonging to the Duke de Chartres in
the Palais Royal. It is one of the finest Collections in Europe. There are a great
number of Pictures by the first Masters of the Art. More of Raphael, than in any Collection
I ever saw. The cieling is painted in Fresco by Antony Coypel.2 The paintings are very fine, and it is a pity they will be destroyed as the building
will soon be demolished in order to continue those, they are now erecting.3 Among the numerous admirable paintings in this gallery I distinguished particularly
the few following. Our Saviour dead, with four women round him by Raphael.4 The Swiss said to us, “c'est le tableau le plus precieux qu'il y ait dans l'univers.”
The virgin Mary is represented in a swoon. The expression of grief in the other faces
is such as one cannot conceive without seeing the painting. Inexpressible distress
is seen in all. Yet the character of each is different; it is impossible to see it
without being deeply affected. The colouring is still extremely fresh, though the
picture is two hundred years old. A Saint John5 placed above the other. It is only St. John with his Gospel before him; but it is
a Master Piece. A child Jesus receiving cherries from St. Joseph, by Raphael also which is admirable. The history of Constantine in a course of painting by Jules Romano and Raphaël. A Christ appearing to Mary Magdalen, by Raphael. A judgment of Paris by Rubens. This is the only remarkable painting of that Master in the Collection. Among the
Portraits, a burgermaster of Amsterdam by Rembrandt is admirable. As indeed are almost
all the pictures there. There are however some so bad, that I was astonished to find
them there, and some that are absurd and ridiculous. There is one where St. Joseph
is at work as a Carpenter; our saviour as a child is holding a line, and the virgin
Mary, devoutly sewing a shirt. In another she is washing linen, Christ is taking it
as she washes it, gives it to Joseph, who hands it up to a parcel of angels: and they
hang it upon the branches of a tree to dry. I am not a sufficient connoisseur in Pictures
to decide whether they were good, but I know that the Ideas are groveling, despicable,
and impious. There are several allegories, such as Mars and Venus tied together by
Cupid. Mars is Henry the fourth, and Venus Gabrielle d'Estrées; but allegories are
not the thing in Painting. Upon the whole I don't know of any Collection of Pictures
I have ever seen that gave me so much Pleasure. There are { 232 } in this gallery a number of models of the different trades. The Shops of the artists
in each trade are compleat, and all are made at the rate of an inch per foot. The
Duke de Chartres intended to have the whole Encyclopedia, thus in miniature, but his
buildings in the Palais Royal have been so amazingly expensive, and he pays so high
an interest for the money he borrows, that he wanted money I suppose to continue the
models, he has already the joiner, Carpenter, Apothecary, Chimist, Anatomist and a number of others. It were to be wished he had completed the Collection.

We afterwards went to see Mademoiselle Bertin's magazin de modes. She is the Queens
milliner, and the first millener in Europe. Mademoiselle Bertin is the most celebrated
person in the Kingdom: the heroes that have acquired so much naval glory must all
strike their flaggs before Mlle. Bertin. Their reputation lasted perhaps a month in
Paris. Hers has lasted years and will last years still if she lives. She keeps her
Equipage, and makes I suppose 100,000 livres a year. She has at least twenty women
working in her magazine at a time. She is at this time occupied in making dresses
for an Infanta of Spain aged 10 years who is to be married in a short time to a Prince
of Portugal aged 12. Three hundred thousand livres have already been advanced to Mlle.
Bertin. But as this sum, which is only 12000 guineas is so small a trifle, she is
left at her own Discretion: and that discretion is such that she will probably go
to four times the sum that has been advanced. We saw a petticoat there, which at a
moderate evaluation, I suppose amounts to about a thousand guineas, and all the rest
is in Proportion. All this is very pretty; but some morose, surly fellow might say,
where does all this money come from. “Ay, there's the rub.” We must be contented with admiring the magnificence of the Robes and go no further.
I dined at Dr. Franklin's. M: de St. Olympe was there; and M: Dusaulx a Member of
the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres; who has published a translation of
Juvenal, of which he spoke with sufficient complaisance.

1. Charles Williamos, an intimate of the Jefferson-Adams circle in Paris in 1784–1785, who was described
by AA after his death as “this curious adventurer, who possesst Benevolence, without conduct,
and learning without sense.” Swiss by birth, he served with British forces in America
in the late 1750s and traveled widely there, becoming an expert on Indian affairs
and a correspondent with British cabinet officers. Jefferson severed relations with
him in July after learning that he was quite likely a spy for the British or at least
in their pay. “He tarried in { 233 } Paris,” AA later wrote to JQA, “untill he could not leave it, for debt; and he had borrowd of every American there;
untill he could get no further credit” (Jefferson, Papers, 8:269–273; AA to JQA, 16 Feb. 1786, Adams Papers).

2. Antoine Coypel, painter for the Duc d'Orleans, who was placed in charge of the interior decoration
of the Palais Royal (Bénézit, Dict, des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs).

4. This painting may be a copy of The Entombment. The original was painted in 1507 and is now at the Galleria Borghese in Rome (Luitpold
Dussler, Raphael: A Critical Catalogue of His Pictures, Wall-Paintings and Tapestries, London, 1971, p. 23–24).

11th.

Paris afternoon. Got of Froullé Brindley's Virgil.1 Went to see Mr. Pickman, at the Hotel de york. He intends setting away for London,
next Monday. Spent the evening with Mr. Jefferson whom I love to be with, because
he is a man of very extensive learning, and pleasing manners. Memorandum took the
4 last volumes of The tableau de Paris. Mr. Williamos, with Mr. and Mrs. Rooker,2 were at Auteuil in the morning.

2. Mr. and Mrs. John Rucker, who became intimate with the Adamses when they moved to London later in the year.
Rucker was a partner in Robert Morris' New York commercial house. In 1787 he got into
difficulties which caused him to leave England under a cloud and required JA to journey to Holland at two days' notice to sign bonds for a new loan so that the
interest on the Dutch loan could be paid (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 3:210; AA2 to JQA, 10 June–16 July 1787, Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-12

12th.

Paris afternoon with Mrs. A. upon some business for Mrs. Hay, who is at Beaugency.
Mr. Graff au magazin de dentelles Rue des deux portes St. Sauveur. Beaumarchais the
author of the too famous Comedy la folle journée ou le mariage de Figaro was taken up the other day, immediately after supper, and carried to St. Lazare where
he is imprisoned. I ask'd of somebody what reasons were given for the measure. That
is the beauty of the french government, said the gentleman; to lock up a Man without
saying why nor wherefore. It is supposed that it was because Beaumarchais wrote a
song upon a mandement1 of the Archbishop of Paris, which warned his People, not to go to see the Comedy,
and not to buy the edition of Voltaire that Beaumarchais is printing, or because in
a Letter which he printed some days since in the { 234 } Journal de Paris, he boasted of having surmonté tigres et Lions pour faire jouer sa
piece. By tigers and Lions he meant the king and his ministers who were very averse
to Figaro's being acted: but the Queen who favoures it extremely prevailed, and the success the
piece had is wonderful. It has run through 74. representations, and unless this event
occasions its being stopp'd, it will probably be played a number more times. However
that may be, Beaumarchais is not in an agreeable situation now. It is not an easy
thing to get out of those prisons.

His friends it is said, are not sorry that he is taken up; but are very much offended
at his being put into St. Lazare, where none but low fellows are sent: had he been
conducted to the Bastille, they would have been quite silent.3

2. “. . . easy is the descent to Avernus . . . but to recall thy steps and pass out to
the upper air, this is the task, this the toil!” from Virgil's Aeneid, Bk. VI, lines 126, 128–129 (Virgil, transl. H. Ruston Fairclough, 2 vols., N.Y., 1930, 1:514–515). Despite some errors
in copying, JQA doubtless used the Brindley edition (p. 177), which he had purchased the day before.

3. JQA's account of Beaumarchais' outspoken attack is essentially correct. On reading Le mariage de Figaro, Louis XVI determined never to allow it to be played, but was forced by court pressure
and by the persuasion of his wife, Marie Antoinette, to allow a private performance
in Sept. 1783. This was followed a year later with a public production, which proved
an instant success, especially effective in its assault upon the ancien régime and
the censorship of the press. Beaumarchais' replies to his critics at this time offended
a prince of the blood, who asked Louis to arrest him. Finally, after public outrage,
the French playwright was released from St. Lazare on 15 March (Larousse, Grand dictionnaire universel; entry for 15 March, below). On 16 April JQA bought a copy of Beaumarchais' play (n.p., 1785), which is now in the JQA pamphlet collection at MBAt.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-14

14th.

Walk'd into Paris in the morning. Hôtel de York Rue Jacob. Mr. Pickman set away for England by the Diligence, at noon. Found Mr. Boling at the
Hotel de York. He arrived in Paris only three or four days ago. Mr. West of Philadelphia,
arrived from London, at the Hôtel; before Mr. Pickman went away: he said he had a
letter from Mr. Jackson, for my father.1 I went with Mr. Boling, to the hotel de Bretagne, and saw Mr. Waring, who thinks
of { 235 } going to England, in the Course of next week. Returned to Auteuil on foot. The walk
was too long. The distance from the village to the place de Louis 15. is more than
3 miles and I did not walk less than 2. about the City. A Large Company to dine with
us. Mr. Brantsen, the Dutch Ambassador extraordinary, the Chevalier de la Luzerne,
Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Mr. and Mrs. Rooker, Miss Ramsay, Mr. and Mrs.
Bingham, and Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, &c. Mr. and Mrs. Rooker lately arrived
in Paris and propose staying here about a fort'night. They came in a very dull time
for, the Theatres were shut up last Sunday, for Three weeks, as they are yearly. The
only public amusements open during that time are at the foire St. Germain, and three
concerts a week at the Chateau des Tuileries.

15th.

Paris in the afternoon, with Mr. A. Got of Froullé, the Horace and Ovid of Brindleys
edition.1 While I was in the Shop, we heard a little bell in the Street; immediately every
body in the shop, but myself, fell on their knees, and began to mutter prayers and
cross themselves. It was a priest, carrying le bon dieu, to a dying man. This is one of the most revered ceremony of the Romish Religion.
Whenever this bell rings, (which is to inform People, that god is passing by) every
man woman and child fall upon their knees and remain so till it has passd quite by.
Every carriage that meets it, even the kings, is obliged to stop; and the persons
in it bend the knee: formerly they were obliged to get out of the carriage and kneel
in the street: but this is no longer customary. The Priest that performs this ceremony
is called porte-dieu. (The word is to revolting for me to translate it.)

17th.

Dined at Dr. Franklin's with a considerable large Company. Mr. Brillon,1 an old french gentleman very gay and talkative. Young Mr. Chaumont2 who goes to America by the April packet from l'Orient. Mr. Boling, a descendent of
an Indian Queen, of somewhat a dark complexion, and his manners, are not perfectly
pleasing to the Ladies. Mr. Norris, an American Quaker, turned Catholic. His turns
of mind seems rather melancholic, and while Mr. B. gave himself up to unbounded laughter
at the wit of our old french guest, Mr. N. did not relax one feature of his face:
he hardly spoke a word the whole time. Mr. Dalrymple, Secretary to Mr. Crawford the
British Commissary, for making a Treaty of Commerce with France. The Treaty of Commerce,
is said to be just as far advanced as it was, when Mr. C. left England, which was
about 9 months ago. In the meantime Mr. C. is determined to be of some service to
his Country and has been employing his time in forming a project, to pay off the national
debt of G. Britain which he proposes to accomplish by borrowing more money. He pretends
that his scheme will suit as well for America as for England; and in that he is very
right. This project has nothing in common with my dining at Dr. Franklin's, but the
anecdote is so curious that I cannot help taking notice of it, here. But it must be
known that Mr. C. is a great partisan for Mesmer, who he says, { 237 } has, mended his health very materially. I think however, that a few grains of hellebore,
would be of still more use to him. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, and Commodore Jones, Coll.
Humphreys', and Mr. Williamos, and several other gentlemen dined at the Doctor's.
The old gentleman, is perfectly well, except the Stone, which prevents him from riding
in a Coach, and even from walking; he says he is determined to return to America this
Spring. The motion of a Vessel, would not, he thinks, be painful to him.

2. Jacques Le Ray de Chaumont, also known as James Le Ray, was the son of Jacques Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont,
the commissary of the American fleet and landlord of Franklin at Passy. Young Chaumont
was about to begin a tour of America; he returned in 1790 representing European land
speculation interests in northern New York, where he lived for the next forty years
(Franklin B. Hough, American Biographical Notes . . ., Albany, 1875, p. 254; JA to John Hancock, 14 April, LbC, Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-18

18th.

Paris afternoon. Went to see Mr. and Mrs. Rooker and Mr. West, but neither were at
home. Walk'd an hour in the Palais Royal: met Mr. Waring there: he tells me that Beaumarchais
has written to the king, to complain for his having been sent to St. Lazare. I got
of Froullé, the Juvenal with Monsr. Dusaulx's translation.1

20th.

My father went to Versailles in the morning to see the Count de Vergennes, upon the
subject of a Treaty between the U. States, and the Powers of Barbary. The Emperor
of Morocco has taken an American vessel belonging to Mr. Fitz Simmons of Philadelphia.1 He has made the Master and the crew prisoners; but has not suffered them to be made
slaves. He has ordered his People not to take any more untill Congress may send a
Consul to him: and he offers to treat with us, upon the same footing that he does
with all the Powers of Europe. This matter gives the American Commissioners, a great
deal of trouble at present. Mr. West, Mr. Norris, Mr. Waring and Mr. Boling dined
with us. I promised Mr. West to introduce him to the Marquis de la { 238 } Fayette, someday this week. Mr. Boling sets off for London tomorrow. The Foire St.
Germain2 closed last evening.

2. A Paris fair devoted more to amusements than to business and trade, which began on
3 Feb. and ended on the Saturday before Palm Sunday; its popularity destroyed by the
Galeries du Palais Royal, it closed in 1786 (Jacques Antoine Dulaure, Histoire civile, physique et moral de Paris, 10 vols., Paris, 1825, 8:197–199).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-23

23d.

Paris. Hotel de york, rue Jacob: for Mr. West. I went with him and presented him to
the Marquis de la Fayette, and afterwards to Mr. Jefferson. Walk'd after that, in
the Palais Royal. This place furnishes a vast fund of entertainment to an observer.
It is the most frequented walk in Paris. At every hour of the day, and of the night
too, you will never fail of finding company there, and it is very curious to see the
different dresses and appearances of the People you find there. Dined at the hotel
de York with Mr. Rooker. In the afternoon the Ladies went to Auteuil, and I went with
Mr. West, to the Theâtre des Varietés, to see le sieur Pinetti1professeur de Physique, Mathématiques, &c. perform his Experiences. Le sieur Pinetti, is a very great quack, and his Experiences, are nothing but a parcel of jugglers tricks, which every mountebank of a fair, performs
as well for 12 sols, as he does for 6. livres. He had not much Company this evening;
I suppose on account of the promenade de Longchamps, which began this day.

24th.

Mr. Adams and the Ladies went to the church of St. Sulpice, and afterwards to Longchamps.
This day the king washes the feet of 12 poor children in imitation of our Saviour's
washing those of the apostles. The kings brothers serve those children at dinner,
and they have some peculiar privileges; such as being pardoned twice for crimes for
which any other persons would be hang'd &c. Some of the great noblemen, follow the
example of the king; and the archbishop of Paris performs the same ceremony at the
Church of Nôtre Dame.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-25

25th.

Good Friday. Went in the afternoon to Longchamps. This is the last Day. Every year;
the wednesday, thursday, and friday, of the week preceding Esther, which is called
Semaine Sainte, there is a kind of procession in the Bois de Boulogne, and it is called Longchamps.
There are perhaps each of those Days a thousand carriages, that come out of Paris
to go round one of the Roads in the wood one after the other. There are two rows of
carriages, one goes up and the other down so that the People in every carriage, can
see all the others. Every body that has got a splendid carriage, a fine set of horses,
or an elegant Mistress, send them out on these days to make a show at longchamps.
As all the Théatres, and the greatest part of the public amusements, are shut all
this week, the concourse is always very considerable for those, that cannot go there
to be seen, go to see, and as it commonly happens upon the like occasions, there are
always twenty to see for one there is to be seen. It is very genteel, for there are
always there some of the first people in the kingdom. The hours are from five to seven,
by which time very few carriages remain there; for they all go off together, so that
one quarter of an hour before the place is entirely deserted, the concourse is the
greatest. The origin of this curious custom, was this. There is a convent of women
called Longchamps, somewhere near the Bois de Boulogne, where formerly, there was some very fine music,
performed on these days, which drew a vast number of Persons out from Paris to hear
it: but one year there was an uncommon concourse, and some disorders happened, which
induced the Archbishop of Paris, to forbid this music on these days, but the Public,
who had commonly taken a ride round part of the wood after hearing the music, continued
taking the latter part of the amusement, when they were deprived of the first, and
the custom has been kept up, to this day.

After it was over we went and drank tea with Dr. Franklin. Saw Mr. Dalrymple there.
The weather is very cold and disagreeable yet.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-26

26th.

Paris afternoon. Froullé, books upon astronomy. Went to see Mr. West and Mr. Waring
but neither was at home. Messieurs Van den Yver bankers Ruë Royale, Butte St. Roch.1 Spent part of { 240 } the evening with the abbés. While I was there a Gentleman came in, who was a great
partisan, for animal magnetism, that he very strenuously defended. Speaking of Dr.
Franklin, he said j'aime beaucoup M: Franklin, c'est un homme de beaucoup d'esprit
et de génie; je suis seulement faché pour lui, qu'il ait signé ce rapport des Commissaires.
He spoke this with so much naïveté that I could not help smiling. When he went away
the abbés told me he was a man, worth 50,000 livres a year, of an exceeding benevolent
disposition, and that he does a great deal of good: a sensible man, but very firmly
persuaded of the reality of animal magnetism. Mesmer the pretended discoverer, has certainly as yet, behaved like a mountebank, and yet
he has persuaded a great number of People, and some persons of great Sense and learning,
that he has made an important discovery. An extraordinary System, a great deal of
mystery, and the art of making People, pay a hundred louis d'ors for a secret which
no body receives, have persuaded almost half this kingdom, that Mesmer really has
the secret that he pretends to have.

1. Van den Yver Frères was the Paris agent for W. and J. Willink, Amsterdam bankers.
On this day JA drew an order of 4,800 livres on the firm for JQA (Diary and Autobiography, 3:172).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-27

27th.

Sunday. Mr. Adams dined with Mr. de St. Olympe's and spent the evening at Mr. Jefferson's.
At about seven o'clock in the evening the Queen, was delivered of a Son, who is Monseigneur le Due de Normandie:1 this is one of the most important events that can happen in this kingdom; and every
Frenchman has been expecting it, as if the fate of his life depended upon it. One
would think that after having a Dauphin they would be easy, and quiet, but say they,
the Dauphin is young and may die; and tho' the king has two brothers one of whom has
several children, yet the Capital point is that the crown should pass down eternally
from father to Son: insomuch that they would prefer being governed by a fool or a
tyrant, that should be the Son of his predecessor, than by a sensible and good prince,
who should only be a brother. The Canons announced to us the birth of the Prince.
The Queen was taken ill only an hour before her delivery, a Circumstance which must
have been very agreeable to her, for a few minutes before she is delivered, the doors
of her apartment are always { 241 } opened, and every body that pleases is admitted, to see the child come into the world,
and if there had been time enough, all Paris would have gone pour voir accoucher la Reine. The name of the young Duke of Normandy, is not yet known.

28th.

Snow in the morning sufficient to cover the ground. Dined at the Marquis de la Fayette's.
When I arrived there the Marquis was not returned from Versailles, where he went last
evening immediately upon hearing of the Queen's delivery, but could not get there
soon enough to be present at the Christening. He told me a curious Circumstance. The
Queen was so large, that it was suspected she might have twins, and Mr. de Calonne, the controuler general had prepared two blue ribbands, in case two Princes should be born, for the kings children must be decorated with
those badges, immediately after they come into the world. The Count1 and Chevalier de la Luzerne dined with us. After dinner I went with Mr. West to see
Mr. and Mrs. Rucker, and afterwards we took a walk together in the Palais Royal. It
is curious to hear the sagacious reflections and remarks upon the event of yesterday,
made by the badauds: and it is pleasing to see how joyful how contented they look. All take the title
given to the Prince, as a doubtless presage, of his future Conquests, and are firmly
perswaded that it was expressly given him, that England may be a second time subdued
by a Duke of Normandy: if they dared, they would mention another point, in which,
the pretended, conqueror may resemble the real one.2 The Palais Royal, the Spanish Ambassador's hotel, the Hôtel des Invalides, the Ecole militaire, and
several other buildings were illuminated in the evening.

2. Common speculation was that the young duc might be a bastard like William the Conqueror,
his predecessor to the title. From 1783 to 1787 there was a liaison between Marie
Antoinette and Count Axel de Fersen, colonel commandant of the Royal Swedish Regiment
in the French army. While rumors abounded, there is no hard evidence that the Duc
de Normandie was Fersen's son (Philippe Huisman and Marguerite Jallut, Marie Antoinette, London, 1971, p. 156–157).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-29

29th.

Dr. Franklin's early in the morning. Coll. Humphreys breakfasted with us, and went
with Mr. Adams to Versailles, where they were presented for the first time, to the new born Prince, who received them in bed: there were half a dozen ladies
in the chamber. There were three beds joining each other, and in the middle one laid
M: le Duc. Probably that in the night one of the Ladies sleep in each of the other beds to prevent
Monseigneur from falling out. The king was exceedingly gay, and happy, and his brothers
appeared so too.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-30

30th.

Mr. Adams dined at the Spanish Ambassador's, Count d'Aranda, an old man 70 years of
age, who married, last year a young woman of 20. Peace be with him!

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0005-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-03-31

31st.

Madame de la Fayette sent a Card1 to offer us places for the Te Deum, which is to be sung tomorrow at Nôtre Dame, when
the king is to be present. Mr. Adams dined at Count Sarsfield's.2

2. A social and intellectual friend of the Americans in Paris, Guy Claude, Comte de Sarsfield, was a French military officer of Irish extraction, who lived in Paris and traveled
frequently between the Netherlands, London, and Paris, where he was often in JA's company (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:381).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-01

Friday April 1st. 1785.

The Marchioness appointed two o'clock for us to be at her Hôtel. We dined at half
after twelve, and were in the Rue de Bourbon at two, but it was too early. Mrs. Rucker,
Mr. Jefferson, Coll. Humphreys, Mr. Williamos, Mr. West, went all with us. At about
half past three we went from the Marquis's hôtel and by the time we got to the Pont
Royal, both sides of the quay were so amazingly crowded with People, that there was
but just space sufficient for the carriages to pass along: and had there not been
guards placed on both sides at a distance not greater than ten yards from one another,
there would have been no passage at all for coaches. For as it was, the troops had
the utmost difficulty to restrain the mob: we pass'd along, on the Quai des Augustins
till we came to the Pont Neuf, went over part of that, turn'd down { 243 } onto the Isle de Nôtre Dame; and then proceeded on in a direct line to the Church. We were placed in a gallery
that commanded the choir, and were in as good a place as any in the Church, which
we owed to the Politeness of Mme. de la Fayette. In the middle of the choir below
us were several rows of benches, upon which the kings train sat when he came, while
he and his two brothers were before all the benches, and directly opposite the altar.
When we arrived we found the Parliament setting in the Choir on the right side, in
scarlet and black Robes; the Chambre des Comptes were seated in the same manner on
the left Sides, in black and white Robes. The Foreign Ambassadors were in an enclosure
at the right of the alter, and between them and the parliament, was a small throne
upon which the archbishop of Paris officiated. Soon after we got there the bishops
arrived two by two. There were about twenty five of them. They had black Robes on,
with a white muslin skirt which descended from the waste, down two thirds of the way
to the ground; and a purple kind of a mantle over their shoulders. The Archbishop
of Paris had a mitre upon his head. When the king came, he went out to the Door of
the Church to receive him: and as soon as his Majesty had got to his place and fallen
upon his knees, they began to sing the Te Deum, which lasted about half an hour, and
in which we heard some exceeding fine music. The voices were admirable. The Archbishop
of Paris sung for about a Couple of Minutes, near the end, that it might be said,
he had sung the Te Deum. His voice seems to be much broken. As soon as the singing
was over the king and the Court immediately went away.

What a charming sight: an absolute king of one of the most powerful Empires on earth,
and perhaps a thousand of the first personages in that Empire, adoring the divinity
who created them, and acknowledging that he can in a moment reduce them to the Dust
from which they sprung. Could we suppose their Devotion real and sincere, no other
proof would be necessary to demonstrate the falsity of the supposition that religion
is going to decay. But oh! if the hearts of all those persons, could have been sounded,
and everything that was lurking there while the exterior appeared offering up prayers
to god, could be produced to light; I fear the rigid moralist, would have a confirmation
of his fears. The reflection of the Chevalier de Gouvion1 shew he was of this opinion. I don't know said he, whether all this will be very acceptable to God almighty: but very few persons came
here for { 244 } him. I was however vastly pleased with the Ceremony; and should have been so, if it was
only, that it gave me an opportunity to see so numerous an assembly of men, of the
first rank in the kingdom. The king and all the court were dress'd in cloaths vastly
rich but in no peculiar form.

After the Ceremony was finished, we had to wait a long time for our Carriages and
could not at last get them all; so that we were obliged to go away, five in one Charriot.
We returned to the Hôtel de la Fayette, and drank tea with Madam. A number of Houses,
were considerably illuminated, but nothing to be compared to what there was six years
ago, when the kings first child was born, although it was only a Princess. We returned
home at about nine, and were more than half an hour getting over the Pont Neuf, such
was the crowd of Carriages: in the passage of the Cours la Reine, we saw a number of fellows, throwing up the sand, to see if there were no 12 sols
pieces remaining for upon these occasions, when the Mob cry out vive le Roi, he throws out of his Coach handfuls of small pieces of money, and is thereby the
cause of many a squabble, and some broken heads, though the Police is so attentive
that few such misfortunes happen.

The title of Duke of Normandy, has not been borne, by any person, for more than three
hundred years, untill the birth of the young Prince.

3d.

Mrs. and Miss Adams, went into Paris in the evening: and went with young Mr. Franklin
and Mrs. Hewson1 to the Concert Spiritual.2

1. Mary (Polly) Hewson, daughter of Benjamin Franklin's London landlady, Margaret Stevenson. In 1770 she
married Dr. William Hewson, who became a respected London physician and anatomist,
but he wounded himself during a dissection in 1774 and subsequently died. Shortly
thereafter, Franklin urged Polly, with whom he had a long and warm friendship, to
settle in America, but he did not succeed in his efforts until 1786. She was visiting
him in Passy with her family in 1784–1785 (Franklin, Papers, 8:122; DNB).

4th.

All the family dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, who entertains all the Americans
every Monday. There were however very few there this Day. Le Chevalier de la Touche,
General Armand,1 and some other french gentlemen dined there. Mr. Williamos promised to get me a ticket
for the Session of the Academie des Sciences on Wednesday.

1. Louis René Madeleine Le Vassor, Comte de La Touche-Tréville, who briefly served as
commander of the French West Indian squadron during the American Revolution, was director,
under the Marquis de Castries, of the Ministry for the Marine Department; Armand Charles
Tuffin, Marquis de La Rouërie, known in America as Col. Armand, was a highly commended
volunteer in American service during the Revolution (Jonathan R. Dull, The French Navy and American Independence: A Study of Arms and Diplomacy,1774–1787, Princeton, 1975, p. 221–222; Jefferson, Papers, 10:221; Lasseray, Les français sous les treize étoiles, 2:454–462).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-06

6th.

Went and dined in Paris with Mr. Jefferson. Immediately after dinner Coll. Humphreys,
Mr. Williamos and myself went to the Louvre, where the Academy were setting, but we
were so late that we could not get places, to sit, and the Room was much crowded.
Several memoirs were read, but all in such technical expressions that I could not
understand much of them. There was also read an éloge of some German, I did not perfectly make out his name. It is an established custom
in this Academy, that at every Session the Secretary reads a short account of the
Life, and of the productions, of the Members of the Academy, that died since the preceding
Session. Coll. Humphreys finding there was no good place, went immediately away: Mr.
Williamos and I stay'd till about five o'clock: and then retired, as we saw no Prospect
of getting in a better situation, and as we were not quite at our ease on account
of the crowd. We afterwards went to the Hôtel de Bretagne, Rue de Richeslieu, where
we found Mr. West. Mr. Williamos soon after returned to Mr. Jefferson's, and I went
with West to the Théatre des Varietés in the Palais Royal. Fausses Consultations; à bon vin point d'Enseigne. Boniface Pointu et sa famille:
Les pêcheurs Provençaux a ballet.1 The last piece but one, is the best I have seen upon this Stage: I was much surprized
to find but very little Company in the House, which was not above half full: but the
public are very capricious. After the { 246 } | view { 247 } entertainment was over we walk'd half an hour under the arcades.

7th.

Mrs. Hewson, and her children Mr. Franklin, Mr. Ruston,1 Mrs. Barclay, and Mr. West dined with us. Mrs. Hewson, goes next week for England.

1. Dr. Thomas Ruston, who practiced medicine in London and Exeter and wrote numerous essays on American
finance. He was briefly visiting Jefferson and Franklin in Paris before his permanent
return to Philadelphia later in the year (James McLachlan, Princetonians, 1748–1768: A Biographical Dictionary, Princeton, 1976, p. 402–407).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-09

9th.

In the afternoon went into Paris. Carried 21. Louis d'ors to Mrs. Barclay. Got of
Froullé an Eutropius, and a Historiae Augustae Scriptores;1 called at Mr. West's lodgings but he was not at home. Walked half an hour in the
Palais Royal. Not much Company. Met Captn. Paul Jones, and Mr. Starke,2 who offered to take any thing for the Hague. He goes on Monday. Went to Mr. Jefferson's
and spent the evening there. They are all ill with Colds: Mr. Williamos was not there:
the Marquis de la Fayette came in while I was there. He is going into the Country
in a short time. He talk'd upon various subjects; and among others concerning the
Dukes and Peers, he said, he did not believe that upon the face of the Earth, an order
of men could be found, so numerous, in which there are so few men of Sense: they are
a parcel of fools, said he and in the whole band there are not more than five or six
men of any tolerable understanding. The only privilege of any consequence attached
to their title is, the right to take a seat in Parliament: where if they had any ambition
and abilities, they might serve to counterpoise in some manner the power of the king:
but he gives them to understand, that he wishes they would not go to the Parliament
and in true Courtiers they give up this precious right. “I3 am continually spurring them up, (continued he) and I tell them, it is folly in them
{ 248 } not to assert their rights, but all without effect, and among all those I know, the
only one of knowledge and abilities, I am acquainted with is the Duke de la Rochefoucauld:4 he is a true patriot; but is not an eloquent man, and being entirely alone, he can
do nothing.” I thought the Marquis spoke somewhat openly and freely for a french nobleman:
especially for one so nearly allied as he is to two or three Dukes. Perhaps he thought
that among Americans, he could freely speak his mind without any danger.

4. Louis Alexandre, Due de La RocheGuyon and La Rochefoucauld d'Enville, who took an
active interest in French science and learning and politics (Hoefer, Nouv. biog. générale).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-10

10th.

Mr. Jefferson came out to Auteuil in the morning. Count Sarsfield walk'd out. Fine
weather though somewhat cold. Some rain too is wanted very much, there has been none
these four months, and very little Snow.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-11

11th.

Dined with Mr. Adams at the Marquis de la Fayette's. There was not much American Company:
M: le Marquis de St. Simon,1 who has served in America. Mr. Grandchamp, Capitaine de Vaisseau, and M: le Marquis
de Rosanbot premier president au Parlement de Paris. Mr. Ruston was there. This is
the first comfortable day we have had this Season: the roads are exceedingly dusty
for want of Rain. Madam Helvetius,2 one of our neighbours is very ill. Mrs. A. sent to know how, she was, and received
a curious handbill for answer.3

1. Probably Claude Anne de Rouvroy, Marquis de Saint-Simon-Montbléru, commander of the army from the West Indies, who was at Yorktown (Howard C. Rice
Jr. and Anne S. K. Brown, transls. and eds., The American Campaigns of Rochambeau's Army, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, 2 vols., Princeton, 1972, 1:325–326).

2. Anne Catherine de Ligniville d'Autricourt Helvétius, widow of the philosopher Claude Adrien Helvétius, was a close friend of Franklin,
and neighbor and social acquaintance of the Adamses (AA to Lucy Cranch, 5 Sept. 1784, AA, Letters, ed. CFA, 1848, p. 199–200).

12th.

Mr. Williamos came out in the morning, and went with Mr. A, to Versailles. Good weather:
very mild; but rain is much wanted.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-14

14th.

Marquis de la Fayette and his Lady, Count and Countess d'Ouradou the Abbés de Chalût and Arnoux dined with us. M: d'Ouradou, is a french nobleman,
of Auvergne who possessed a very considerable estate, but has lately been almost ruined,
by the loss of a lawsuit, which after he had gained twice, was finally, unjustly decided
against him: Moliere says somewhere, with great truth: nothing is so unjust as the
justice of this Country. The Count intends at present to go to America, and with the
wreck of his fortune, which will amount, to 100, or 150 thousand livres, he means
to buy an estate in Virginia, and settle there, as mediocrity of fortune, can be more
easily borne, there than in this Country. He leaves his title here, and as he has
a Son; if he or any of his descendents acquire a fortune, sufficient to support the
title; they may return here and resume it again. M: Hailes the secretary of the English
Embassy, dined with us also. Count Sarsfield came, and spent some time with us after
dinner: I received a Card from Mr. West, who is very ill. In the morning I went to
Passy, and carried some Letters of Introduction to M: Le Rey de Chaumont, who goes
to America, by this Months Packet, and who set off for L'orient this day. The February
packet, that sailed from New York the 19th. is at length, arrived, but no body as
yet has any Letters, except the Marquis de la Fayette.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-15

15th.

Went to Paris in the morning with Mr. A. At the Pont Royal, I got out of the Carriage,
and went to see my friend Mr. West. He has been ever since Tuesday, afflicted, with
an inflammatory Rheumatism: what makes it insupportable, is that he has it in his
right hand, which is very much swelled: and though he is here upon business, and has
received several letters of consequence, which require immediate answers, he cannot
do any thing. I sat with him sometime, and from the Hôtel de Bretagne, Rue de Richelieu, where he is I went on foot to Mr. Jefferson's, { 250 } who was out: found my father there; and as Mr. Jefferson, did not return, we came
away, after staying, half an hour.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-16

16th.

Went with Mrs. A into Paris in the afternoon. Got a book of Pissot,1 and Brindley's Terence, la folle journée, and Vossius de hist. grae: of Froullé.2 Left the Ladies, on the quai des Augustins, and went to see Mr. West, whose hand
is still very much swelled. The Ladies came, in the evening, and took me at the Hôtel
de Bretagne.

1. Pissot, a publishing firm in Paris. The book has not been identified.

18th.

Mr. D'Asp, the secretary of the Swedish Ambassy, came out and dined with us en famille. After dinner I went into Paris. Mr. West is still very ill: his hand is swolen amazingly:
his spirits were very low when I went there: but before I came away he began to be
quite sociable. He spoke of Mr. B——g——m; who with his Lady left Paris, Sunday the
10th. instn. Mr. W: seems to have of Mr. B. very nearly the same opinion I have, that
he is very ignorant, very vain, and very empty. He is very rich: but if he acquired
his riches in the manner Mr. W. tells me he did; he is hardly authorised to plume
himself upon them as much as he does. That he is extremely ignorant, I think the following
anecdote which is litterally true, will sufficiently prove. I was with him one evening
last winter at the French Comedy. La mort de César a Tragedy of Voltaire's1 was acted. After it was over the following Conversation, took place between him and
me; exactly as it is here.

Mr. B. Oh; how much Superior to this is Shakespeare's Julius Caesar! <to this!>

A. Voltaire to be sure was not comparable to Shakespeare in point of genius, but his
play is more regular.

B. Regular! Why he has not introduced the Battle of Philippi; nor does he bring Augustus
upon the Stage.

A. But if I remember right the Battle of Philippi did not happen till more than a year
after the Death of Caesar, and has { 251 } nothing to do in that event. So that all three unities must be broken through to introduce
it. Nor could Augustus appear for the same reason.

B. What do you mean by unities.

A. You know very well Sir, that plays upon the french Stage, are confined, to 24 hours
for time, to one and the same place, and to one plot for action, and. . . .2

B. Oh, you are entirely mistaken! Why do you think Shakespeare did not know the rules
of the Stage, and yet he brings Augustus, and the action at Philippi on, in his piece.
Besides, Voltaire supposes that Brutus was the Son of Caesar, which is contrary to
history; and would it not be absurd to be so strict upon such trifles as you are speaking
of, and yet take such licences as to suppose Brutus to be the Son of Caesar.

Finding it would be in vain to say any thing more of the Rules of the Drama, I was
determined to see if he was as well inform'd upon the Subject of History so I replied
You know that several historians hint, that Caesar was supposed to be the father of
Brutus, and that he supposed so himself: and any Poet has a right to make use of any
such Circumstances, and to give for a certainty, what in fact was only a supposition.

B. No Sir, not one historian mentions any such a connection between them.

A. I think Suetonius says, that when Brutus stab'd Caesar, among the rest, Caesar said
in greek Are you with them, my Son? We have no better authority than Suetonius, for there are very few original historians
of that period, remaining.

B. He certainly did not speak in Greek: he said et tu Brute. I don't know what Suetonius may say, but Rollin, in his Roman history does not mention a word of it; and do you think he could have
omitted so important a circumstance, if there had been any truth in it? As you say
there, are not many original historians of that period extant. I think there are only Suetonius, and LIVY, and Plutarch and HERODOTUS.

Here our conversation finish'd. I was amazed to see a man, with so many pretensions
to great knowledge, as Mr. B. had, entirely ignorant of the rules of the Drama: and
in a point of Roman History quote the authority of Rollin, against that of Suetonius.
But I have since found that he spoke without knowledge, even on the Subject of Rollin:
for that author speaking of Brutus, says, that notwithstanding his conduct, Caesar
loved him, as the { 252 } Son of Servilia, and perhaps as his own. If a boy of 18 years old, can detect Mr.
B. in such gross errors, in Questions so plain, and so universally understood: how
empty must he appear before a person, of ripe Judgment, and deep knowledge.

Should anyone see this he might say what has Mr. B. done to you to make you treat
him so? I answer, nothing but what he does to every body else. He is as vain and self
sufficient as he is ignorant: and assumes airs of superiority, not only over me (which
would not perhaps be improper) but over persons of much more real merit than he is,
or than he ever will be, if I am not much mistaken. He has never done me any harm;
nor has he ever had it, (thank god) in his power to hurt me, but I have no obligations
to him, nor ever will, if I can help it. The only knowledge he appears to possess
well, is Commercial: of that he has had sufficient to make a very considerable fortune,
which has turn'd the little brains he had.

Those who their ignorance confest

I ne'er offended with a jest.

But laugh to hear an idiot quote

A verse from Horace learnt by rote.

When I came home from Paris, I found Letters for me from Mr. Dumas and C. Storer.3

3. The Storer letter is probably that of 12 April (Adams Papers), while the only extant Dumas letter to JQA for this period is 1 April (Adams Papers), probably too early to be referred to here.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-19

19th.

Went all to dine with Mr. Jefferson. The two abbés Dr. McMahon1 and Dr. Ruston, were there. After dinner I walk'd to the Hôtel de Bretagne, and found
Mr. West better, though his hand is still very much swelled. Dr. Ruston appears to
be a man of learning; very well versed in English reading.

1. Dr. I. MacMahon was apparently an Irish physician living in France whom Franklin met in Paris shortly
after the beginning of the Revolution; he became a member of the American minister's
social circle, a source of some American news, and a partisan for both America and
his native Ireland (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., index).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-21

21st.

In the morning Coll. Humphreys, and Mr. Williamos, called upon me, and I went out
with them as far as St. Germain en Laye where James the 2d. held his Court after he was driven away from England; and where
Mr. Short, has been these 6 weeks learning the french Language. We went through the
Bois de Boulogne, and over the Pont de Neuilli. The distance from Paris to St. Germain is about 12 miles. We go along by the side
of the Seine, almost all the way: the Lands are either cultivated in wheat, or in
Vines for the most Part. The road is very good. St. Germain, is situated, on the top
of a hill, which is not very steep, but which I suppose to be a mile long. I should
imagine it contains about 10,000 inhabitants but may be much mistaken, as I guess
only from the apparent extent of the town: a great number of them are the descendents
from those british families that follow'd the fortunes of James the 2d. The Castle
which he inhabited belongs as I was told, to the King, and has a charming terrass
before it. We descended at the Prince de Galles tavern, and went immediately to Mr. Shorts lodgings but found he was out: we then
walk'd about the place, which is very agreeably situated. From the terrass you may
see Mont Calvaire, Montmartre, and the Church of the Invalids. In a clear day I suppose part of Paris may be also
seen from thence. Mr. Short came to us, and dined with us. Mr. Williams, is gone to
Paris, to set off for England. His Lady1 and the Alexander family live in the Castle, but were not to be seen this day: on account of the Death
of a friend. After dinner we walk'd again, in the Gardens of the Maréchal de Noailles,2 grandfather of the Marquise de la Fayette, who owns here a fine house and a good
Estate. Mr. Short is vastly pleased with St. Germain, and thinks it a very excellent
place for learning the Language. If we may judge from him it is certainly so: for
he has made a wonderful proficiency in the short space of time he has been there.
We left him about five, and as we return'd we look'd at the Machine de Marli, which
is very famous, but which appears to me very clumsy; and it is very complicated so
that I could not understand any thing in it. The principle is very simple. The current
of the river sets a number of mills going; they put in motion a quantity of pumps
which transport water from that place to Versailles about 2 leagues distant from it.
But this machine was built more than a century ago, and has been very { 254 } much celebrated; if it were to be built at present, it would be considered in a ridiculous
light. When we return'd we found Mr. and Mm. d'Ouradou getting into their Carriage,
to return: they had been some time here. Mrs. and Miss A. were gone to Paris. Mr.
Jefferson was with my father. Young Mr. Franklin is very ill of a fever. It seems
to be a sickly Time.

1. Mariamne Alexander, wife of Franklin's grandnephew Jonathan Williams Jr., daughter of William Alexander,
and granddaughter of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh of the same name (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 5:5; Jefferson, Papers, 7:256).

22d.

Mr. A. received in the morning a Card from Dr. Franklin1 informing him that a person who came in the Packet had called upon him last evening:
and told him he had a pacquet for my father addressed at the Hague. My father immediately
went to Dr. Franklin's, and from thence to the Hôtel d'Orleans, where he found two
gentlemen who came in the Packet. Mr. Jervais,2 an American, and Mr. Lefevre, a French man, whom I saw two years ago at Hamborough.
I left Mr. A. at the Place de Louis Quinze and went on foot to the Hôtel de Bretagne, where I found Mr. West, who is much better,
though his hand is as much swelled as ever. When I had been there about ½ an hour,
Mr. A: came and took me up. We went to Mr. Jefferson's. Mr. A. received a Letter from
Mr. Gerry and a packet from Mr. Jay,3 by Mr. Jarvis, Who came out with Mr. Lefevre and spent the evening at Auteuil.

2. James Jarvis was described by Elbridge Gerry as “lately of Boston, but formerly of
this City [New York], Son in Law to Mr. [Samuel] Broom.” Jarvis had been a New York merchant before the Revolution (Gerry to JA, 14 Feb., Adams Papers; Jefferson, Papers, 8:178, 247).

23d.

In the afternoon I went into Paris. Saw Mr. West and Dr. Ruston who propose going
to England, next week. I afterwards went to see for a Cabriolet; I saw several, but
they ask 120 livres for the hire of one, from this place to L'Orient. Spent the evening
{ 255 } with Mr. Jefferson, who is a great admirer of Ossian's poems: which he thinks are
indisputably genuine.1

1. The Poems of Ossian, Edinburgh, 1762, were allegedly translated from authentic Gaelic by the Scottish
poet James Macpherson. Dr. Samuel Johnson, among others, thought that they were traditional
elements blended together and passed off as an ancient poem, a verdict generally agreed
upon after Macpherson's death. Jefferson had maintained a strong interest in the work
for years (Jefferson, Papers, 1:96–97; 100–102).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-24

24th.

Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Lefevre, came out and dined with us. Mr. Jarvis offers me the carriage
they came in from L'Orient: but it is at Versailles.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-25

25th.

The Ladies dined with the Marquis de la Fayette. We went there before dinner. Mr.
Williamos tells me the Abbé de Mably is dead. He was very old; not less I think, than
78. Yet although it is probable, that had he lived many years longer, I should not
have seen him, above once more, still I was much affected at the news, because he
was not only a man of great genius, and learning, but was one of the best men in the
world.

He has written a number of works, that are published, and he has left several to appear
after him. 2. vols. of Observations upon the History of France,2 a Treatise, sur le beau, and another on the Course of Passions in Society are ready
for the Press.3

We dined at Count Sarsfield's, where there was a small, but chosen Company. He shew
us some of the drawings of Countess Spencer,4 which were exceedingly well done. In the evening, we went and took up the Ladies
at the Marquis's.

4. Lavinia Bingham, wife of the second Earl Spencer, was a leader of London society, befriending a large
number of eminent men in politics and the arts; she was a painter and etcher (Thieme and Becker, Lexikon).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-26

26th.

I went in the morning to the Sweedish Ambassador's Hôtel to go with Mr. d'Asp, and
see the Abbé Grenet, but I was too late and Mr. d'Asp was gone out, I went to see
Mr. Jarvis: and afterwards Count d'Ouradou, at the hôtel de Nassau, Ruë de la Harpe.
We agreed to go together to l'Orient. Went to see West, but did not find him at home.
Walk'd in the Palais Royal, where I met Mr. Williamos; and as I had sent our carriage
back to Auteuil and, it was too late to walk home, I went with him and dined at Mr.
Jefferson's. A few minutes after Dinner, Some Letters came, in from America, and I
was inform'd by Mr. J. that the Packet le Courier de L'Orient, which sail'd from New
York, the 23d of March, is arrived: Mr. J. and Coll. Humphreys had Letters from Genl.
Washington, and a Letter from Mr. Gerry, of Feby. 25th. says, Mr. Adams, is appointed
Minister to the Court of London.1 I believe he will promote the Interests of the United States, as much as any man:
but I fear his Duty will induce him to make exertions which may be detrimental to
his Health: I wish however it may be otherwise. Were I now to go with him, probably
my immediate Satisfaction, might be greater than it will be in returning to America.
After having been travelling for these seven years, almost all over Europe, and having
been in the world and among Company for three: to return and spend one or two years
in the Pale of a College, subjected to all the rules, which I have so long been freed
from: then to plunge into the Dry and tedious study of the law; for three years, and
afterwards not expect, (however good an Opinion I may have of myself), to bring myself
into Notice, under three or four years more; if ever: it is really a Prospect some
what discouraging for a youth of my Ambition (for I have Ambition, though I hope its
object is laudable).

or on those of any body else. I am determined that as long as I shall be able to get
my own living, in an honorable manner, I will depend upon no one. My father has been
so much taken up all his lifetime, with the Interests of the public, that his own
fortune has suffered by it: So that his children will have to provide for themselves;
which I shall never be able to do, if I loiter away { 257 } my precious time in Europe; and shun going home untill I am forced to it. With an
ordinary share of common Sense, which I hope I enjoy, at least in America, I can live
independent and free, and rather than live other wise, I would wish to die, before, the time, when I shall
be left at my own Discretion. I have before me a striking example, of the distressing
and humiliating Situation a person is reduced to by adopting a different line of Conduct
and I am determined not to fall into the same error.3

I came out to Auteuil in the afternoon, with Mr. Jefferson, in his Carriage. Found
Mr. Jarvis there. Dr. Franklin has a Letter by the last packet, dated March 22d.

3. JQA's allusions to financial independence and his decision to leave Europe suggest that
he is referring here to William Temple Franklin. See also JQA's comment about the younger Franklin in his entry for 26 Feb. (above).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-27

27th.

In the afternoon I went into Paris with the Ladies; left them before the Jardin des
Tuileries. Walk'd to the Hotel de Bretagne; West was out. Walk'd some time in the
Palais Royal; and met Mr. Ruston, and soon after Mr. West. His arm is much better
but still swolen.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-28

28th.

Mr. West came out to Auteuil and dined with us. After dinner I went into Paris, with
him: we went to meet Dr. Ruston and then proceeded all together to the Italian Comedy,
where we saw Theodore,1 a new Opera Comique, acted for the first time, with l'heureuse Erreur, this evening. Theodore, had not a brilliant success, but a tolerable one. The Subject, is as old, as the
Theatre I believe. A Man who proposes marrying his daughter to one of his friends
of his own age, instead of which she marries the young man she loves, is the whole
plot. Nothing new is introduced, but there are some pretty good sallies, and some
excellent Sentiments (which by, the by, the french don't consider as ornaments to
a dramatic performance, especially in the Comic Pieces). The Music, is I am told the
first performance of Mr. Davaux, in this way: its success was pretty much like that
of the Words: there was however one arriette which began thus.

was very highly applauded. After the play was over I went and met my father at Mr.
Jefferson's. Coll. Humphreys, was this morning suddenly taken very ill. He has been
twice bled this day, and is at present much better than he was, although he has yet
a fever upon him.

1. Théodore, ou, le bonheur inattendu, an unpublished musical comedy by Benoît Joseph Marsollier des Vivetières, with music
by Jean Baptiste Davaux. It was first performed at Fontainebleau on 4 March (Brenner, Bibliographical List).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0006-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-04-29

29th.

We expected to have had a large Company to dine with us; but Mr. Hailes brought the
excuses of the Duke of Dorset; who was this morning sent for at Versailles; and could
not therefore come. M: de Gouvion, has also excused himself, and Coll. Humphreys's
illness prevented him from coming, so that we were reduced to eleven only. Marquis
de la Fayette and Lady: Count Sarsfield, M: de la Bourdonnais, Mr. Hailes, Mr. Williamos
and Mr. Jarvis. The Marquis brought us a number of American News Papers, as he receives
them very regularly. Mr. A.s appointment to England, is in one of the New York Gazettes
of march 3d. Coll. William Smith,1 of New York, who has been heretofore Aid de Camp to Genl. Washington, is appointed
Secretary to the Legation.

Memorandum: Count Sarsfield made me promise him, I would write him a Letter in french
the 29th. of next October.2

1. William Stephens Smith (1755–1816), designated as WSS by the Adams Papers, was appointed by the congress without the prior knowledge of JA, who initially had some doubts about his suitability. WSS, who had received a certificate of commendation from Washington for his military
service, was a member of the Society of Cincinnati, a distinction that both AA and JA thought incompatible with republicanism; but they were mollified by his high sense
of honor and modesty of demeanor and soon came to like him. AA2, having rejected her suitor Royall Tyler, became en• { 259 } gaged in due course to WSS, and they were married on 11 June 1786. The marriage was not a happy one. None of
the variety of offices which WSS subsequently held turned out well for him; his ambition, extravagant habits, and
unwise investments led to desperate straits, and AA2 had to endure periods of drunkenness and desertion (JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:183–184 and sources cited there; AA to Mercy Otis Warren, 10 May 1785; JA to CA, 31 Jan. 1795; and M/LCA/6, p. 147, all in Adams Papers).

30th.

I went into Paris in the morning, and called upon Mr. d'Asp the secretary of the Sweedish
Embassy, and we went together, to the Abbé Grenet's, a professer of the College of
St. Jean de Beauvais, who has invented a curious sort of Sphere, with brass circles
round it, by which he shows the motion of the Sun, and moon, and by means of which
he has made some, astronomical observations, unknown before. He has also published
an Atlas, which is extremely usefull in Schools, and for all persons that Study the
Classic authors, he has made double maps, of all those parts of the world that were
known in Antiquity: one side represents the Country as the ancients knew it, and the
other shows the same, in its present State. He is at present employ'd in making detailed
maps of the kingdom of France, which will also, be a very interesting work. I took
a Copy of his Atlas.1 Went to see a painter in the Louvre. Walk'd in the Tuileries with Mr. d'Asp. Went
to Mr. West's and to Mr. Ruston's lodgings but neither was at home. Late before I
got out to Auteuil.

Sunday May 1st. 1785.

Mr. Jarvis came out and dined with us at Auteuil. In the afternoon, Mr. Jefferson
came out; he drank tea with us. No Rain yet: the drought is very great: the verdure
is but small, tho' the trees are covered with Leaves.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-02

2d.

Mr. A and myself went and dined with the Marquis de la Fayette, Comte and Chevalier
de la Luzerne, Comte de la Touche, General du Portail:1 A Letter was brought after dinner to my father from Dr. Franklin,2 informing him that Mr. Randall3[arrived] from New York in the last Packet, and that he has { 260 } Letters from Mr. Jay for my father.4 We went immediately to the Hôtel d'Orléans Rue St. Anne, and found Mr. Randall out,
but he had left the Packets for my father, to be given to him, in case he should call
for them. They contained two Vols, of the Journals of Congress, A Commission, Credentials,
and Instructions for the Court of St. James's.5 We went to Mr. Jefferson's, and spent an hour there; he has received a Commission
for this Court, and the resignation of Dr. Franklin is accepted.6 Congress have resolved to send a Minister to Holland, and one to Spain, but as yet,
none is appointed.

We went to see the Abbés de Chalût and Arnoux, and found them in affliction for the
Death of their friend the Abbé de Mably. Abbé Chalût has written the following epitaph
for him.

The abbé was a character, that would be uncommon at any { 261 } time, but almost unknown at present in this Kingdom. Every thing that he has left,
as I am told will not amount to two hundred louis d'ors. The two abbés his friends
are his executors, and he begs of them to accept his library which is composed of
about 250 volumes. Of all the Literati in Paris, he owned the least books: but he
used to borrow those he wanted; from the bibliotheque du Roi, and made extracts from
them: his works are less known than they ought to be, because he was neither an Academician
nor a Courtier: But he always maintained the Reputation of a good Man, which is preferable,
to any that either Courts or Academies can give. Return'd home at about 10. in the
evening.

3. Paul Randolph Randall, a New York lawyer, who later participated in the unsuccessful negotiations with
Algiers and other Barbary powers (John Jay to JA, 8 March (bis), Adams Papers; Jefferson, Papers, 8:544, 610–611; 10:649–651).

5. Jay's letter of 18 March included JA's instructions, dated 7 March; JA's commission, dated 24 Feb., is also among the Adams Papers.

6. The congress elected Jefferson on 10 March 1785, and Franklin notified Vergennes on
3 May that the congress had permitted him to return (JCC, 28:134; Franklin, Writings, ed. Smyth, 9:321).

7. To God the Best and Greatest. Here lies Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, of Dauphiné. A bold
enquirer, successful, unwearied, of the Law of Nature: Defender of the damaged integrity
of the human race, most tenacious servant of right reason in establishing states,
restoring them, stabilizing them, in leading peoples, and casting down the errors
of political treatises. What he unceasingly wrote has been approved by the vote and
applause of both worlds. By assiduous meditation on history, from the varied institutions
of peoples, their customs, their governments, he uncovered the hidden causes of past
events, and foretold the future ones. Ever devoted to strict truth, his mind, uninfluenced
by his humble estate, constantly spurned honors, wealth, and all sorts of bonds of
slavery. After having spent his life doing no harm to anybody, and wisely fostering
his ancestral religion, he died with the most tranquil mind on the 23rd day of April
1785, as the seventy-seventh year of his life was beginning. This monument his grieving
friends have erected.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-03

3d.

Mr. A: went to Versailles, it being Ambassador's Day. As he was passing through an
entry at the Count de Vergennes's, a Servant presented him a small canister, containing
perhaps a little more than half a pound of tea, and ask'd him if he did not want some
very excellent tea, that had come through Russia, by land from China; my father could
not Refuse it, and enquired the price. Un Louis, Monsieur, said the fellow very coolly; and in that manner he put every one of the
foreign Ministers to contri• { 262 } bution, even in the House, of the King of France's prime Minister. I don't know whether
such practices correspond, with their ideas of dignity; if so they are very different
from mine.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-04

4th.

In the afternoon I went into Paris alone: went to the Griffon, Rue de Bussy and bought
some Stationary. To the Hôtel de Nassau Rue de la Harpe, to see Mm. la Comtesse d'Ouradou,
but she was not within. Bought me a Couple of Trunks. Went to Mr. Jefferson's: he
tells me, that the Count, thinks of not going in the next Packet. I fear Mr. Williamos,
after failing me, himself, has been endeavouring to persuade the Count to do so too,
which I do not think is very polite. Mr. Jefferson, spoke concerning Virginia, a State,
which he knows very particularly as it is his native Country. The blacks, he tells
me, are very well treated there; and increase in population, more in proportion, than
the whites. Before the War, he says the negroes, were to the whites, in the proportion
of 3 to 4. Now they are as 10 to 11. which is a very material difference. He supposes
about 500,000 souls in the State. He disapproves very much the Cultivation of Tobacco,
and wishes, it may be laid entirely aside. He thinks wheat would be much more advantageous,
and profitable, much less Laborious, and less hurtful to the ground: he is a man of
great Judgment.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-05

5th.

All dined at Mr. Jefferson's, with Marquis and Marquise de la Fayette, Count and Countess
d'Ouradou, Chevalier de la Fayette another french gentleman, Mr. Short, who this morning
arrived from St. Germains, Mr. Bowdoin from Virginia, Mr. Jarvis, &c. I there learnt
that Mr. West and Dr. Ruston, were not gone for England: after dinner I went with
Mr. Jarvis, to the Hôtel d'Orleans, Rue St. Anne, to see Mr. Randall, who dined at
Dr. Franklin's to day. I went to West's lodgings, but he was out. Saw Dr. Ruston,
who does not go, till next week. Mr. Jarvis, brought me out as far as the Barriere de la Conference,1 where I luckily found our Carriage which was just passing by.

The weather has been exceeding fine, for a long time, but the drought is very great.
All the Roads, are very inconveniently dusty, and daily Church processions are made
to obtain Rain { 263 } from Heaven. Grain, and Hay are extravagantly dear so that numbers of farmers, have
been obliged to kill their Cattle, that they might not Starve to Death. Butter is
2 livres a pound, whereas, in the depth of winter, it is not commonly higher than
30 Sols, and in short if the present weather continues, I know not what will be the
consequence the ensuing Fall and Winter.

1. The Barrière de la Conférence, one of twenty-four principal barriers ringing Paris
at the time, was a customs post where goods were taxed and traffic was examined for
contraband (Robert de Hesseln, Dictionnaire universel de la France . . ., 6 vols., Paris, 1771, 5:110).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-06

6th.

After dinner the Ladies went into Paris: I left them at the Place de Louis 15. and
went to Mr. West's lodgings: he had been out to Auteuil in the morning with Mr. Bowdoin,
and had promised to meet me in the afternoon at his lodgings, but did not. I walk'd
from 5. o'clock till 9 in the Palais Royal. Met M: de Gouvion there, and walk'd with
him, about an hour and an half. He was much averse to the Packets, coming round from
L'Orient to Le Havre, which has at length been determined upon; but they have been
so slow and dilatory about it, that the time for the May Packet to go round has been
lost, and I shall still be obliged to go down to L'Orient. M: de Gouvion says it will
lengthen the Passage very considerably, and increase the danger. That besides, the
greatest part of the Passengers in those Packets come from Marseilles, Bordeaux, and
Nantes, and don't come to Paris. All those, says he, will rather go home in Merchant
Vessels, than, go so far as Le Hâvre. But Mr. de Gouvion, does not consider that great
numbers of Americans, that cross the Atlantic from England, in merchants vessels,
or the English packet, will in future, prefer to either the french Packet, as it will
be so near, and much less expensive: I reminded him of this, and he agreed it was
true.

Met Messrs. Jefferson, Short and Williamos: the Ladies made me wait so long, that
I had well nigh taken a fiacre, to return home. Ten o'clock before we got to Auteuil.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-07

7th.

Went into Paris early in the morning. Called at the Hôtel d'Orleans, Rue St. Anne. Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Warburton, were going { 264 } for England at Noon. Hotel d'Orleans, Palais Royal: Dr. Ruston found West there, and accompanied him, to the Diligence, Rue Montmartre;
at 12 o'clock they all went off. I walk'd with Mr. Jarvis in the Palais Royal, and
afterwards went and dined with him, at the hotel d'Orleans, Rue des Petits Augustins. After dinner I called upon Mr. Randall, at the Hotel de l'Union, Rue St. Thomas
du Louvre, and bought of him, the Carriage, in which he came from L'Orient. Gave him
20 louis d'or's for it. Called upon the abbés and Mr. Grand, but did not find them.

9th.

Walk'd into Paris in the morning, to the Marquis de la Fayette's; to go with him to
Mr. Jefferson's upon the subject, of the Importation of our whale oil, into this Country.1 I was told the Marquis was gone out of Town, on horseback. Call'd upon Mr. Williamos
and from thence went to Mr. Jefferson's, where I waited till past noon for the Marquis,
but, as he did not come then, I walk'd back again to Auteuil: was very much fatigued
as it was exceeding warm. All the family, but myself dined at the Marquis's, and did
not return till late in the evening.

1. Lafayette had lent his diplomatic and political skills to help gain for Boston and
New England merchants engaged in the whale oil trade an important French market after
they had lost their largest customer, Great Britain, as a result of the war. He negotiated
an arrangement with M. Tourtille Sangrain, who had a contract to light the streets
of Paris, to buy about a thousand tons of oil from American merchants. Returning to
America, JQA carried with him Sangrain's proposals, copies of government passports, samples of
oil, and letters from Lafayette to Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford and Samuel Breck
of Boston (Louis Gottschalk, Lafayette, '4:116–117, 165–167; Lafayette to JQA, 14 May, Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-10

10th.

Mr. A: went to Versailles, to take leave, of the Court. Mr. Carnes1 came out. Was all day preparing for my departure, in the evening Mm. de la Fayette,
with two of her Children, came out: and Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall.

1. Burrill Carnes, a merchant at Nantes, appointed American agent there in 1786 by Thomas
Barclay (Jefferson, Papers, 9:303).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-11

11th.

This Day, the King made his grand review, on the Plaines de Sablons. Mr. A. and the
Ladies dined at the Sweedish Ambassadors; I had so much to do, that I could not. Early
in the morning I had a remise,1 and went first to Dr. Franklin, to take his Commands and ask for a Passport;2 which I could not get, because, M: de la Motte his secretary, was gone to the Review.
Went to Mr. Jefferson's who was also gone; the whole road to Paris was strow'd with
Carriages. I got an order for Horses at the Post Office. Went to Mr. Grand's and to
the Abbés: but found nobody. Cross'd the river to the Marquis de la Fayette's and
saw Madam; Called at the Hotel d'Orleans, R. des p: Augustins, at that du Roi George,
Rue du Colombier for Mr. Chew and Mr. Chamberlaine, who brought me letters from my
friend Murray in England,3 but every body was gone to the Review. Went to Froullé my Bookseller, and got a number
of Books of the Brindley Edition.4 Paid him his account. Walk'd half an hour in the Palais Royal, and met Coll. Humphreys,
Mr. Short, Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Williamos, and Mr. Randall; who were all to
dine with Mr. Jefferson: we walk'd till four o'clock, and then went together, to the
Cul de Sac Taitbout, where we found the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr. Norris and Mr.
Carnes, who dined there also. After dinner I went with Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Randall,
and walk'd half an hour in the Palais Royal. Return'd and took leave of Mr. Jefferson,
and his family: on my way home I stopp'd at Dr. Franklin's, and saw his grandson,
who is ill: he told me that the Dr. had some thoughts of going to Boston; and from
thence to Philadelphia by water: as he cannot bear the motion of a land Carriage.
He talks of going in July or August.

About an hour after I got home, the Count d'Oradour, came, and told me that two large
trunks, could not go on my Cabriolet, and that it would be therefore impossible for
him to go with me. I desired him to bring the matter to a certainty, and in case he
could not come, to send me the Carriage as early in the morning as possible.

3. William Vans Murray to JQA, 27, 28 April (Adams Papers). JQA met Murray shortly after the Marylander had become a { 266 } student at the Middle Temple in the spring of 1784; they next saw each other in 1797
when Murray became JQA's successor as minister resident at The Hague (JQA to JA, 15 June 1784, Adams Papers; JQA, Memoirs, 1:189).

4. While JQA's library contains copies of the works of Caesar, Tacitus, Juvenal, Persius Flaccus,
Nepos, and Lucan in the Brindley edition, only the works of Sallust, London, 1744,
and Phaedrus, London, 1750, in addition to those already cited in notes, show evidence
that they were purchased at this time.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-12

Thursday May 12th. 1785.

At about 9 o'clock the Cabriolet arrived, and the postillion brought me a Letter from
the Countess d'Oradour,1 by which she informs me that the Count cannot go with me, as it is impossible to
fix two large trunks upon the Carriage; so that I shall finally be obliged to go down
to L'Orient alone, after having been led to expect the Company of three different
persons. I suspect that Mr. W.2 has used his influence, to perswade the Count to wait for the next Packet: though
I know not what reason he has to wish the Count would go with him. One thing is certain,
which is, that it would be far more advantageous for the Count to go in the May Packet.

Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Carnes came out and gave me Letters for America. Mr. Jefferson
sent out his Letters with two bottles of oil, in two cases, which are to serve as
samples for oil to be imported from America. The Marquis de la Fayette's servant arrived
with his Letters3 only a quarter of an hour before my departure. I took leave of my Parents and my
Sister, and got into my Carriage, at ½ after 12, with such feelings, as no one that
has not been seperated from Persons so dear, can conceive. My Postillions drove me
very well, so that at ½ past 8 in the evening I was at Dreux, which is 9 ½ posts or
57 Miles from Paris. The roads are very good on this route. On leaving Versailles,
you enter into the Province of Normandy, which extends more than half the way to L'Orient.
This Province produces no Wine, but a great deal of Cyder, and the best in France;
it furnishes also very considerable Quantities of grain; the fields of grass look
now as dry and as yellow as in the month of January, for want of Rain: those of grain
are in a better condition but look very thin. Between Paris and this place you pass
through Versailles, the royal residence: not far from thence is the famous abbaye de Saint Cyr, founded by Madame de Maintenon, in order to educate a number of young Ladies of
noble family and small fortune. Verneuil is the most considerable town on the road.

1. Not found. The Count sailed on a later packet and was in Virginia during the fall
and winter. Virginians noted his disappointment with the lands, which were more expensive
than he had imagined, and with Americans, whom he had assumed all spoke French. Nevertheless,
he made “a considerable tramontane purchase,” before returning to France (Jefferson, Papers, 8:147; 9:3, 93, 251; 10:616).

3. See note for entry of 9 May (above), and Lafayette: A Guide to the Letters, Documents, and Manuscripts in the United States, ed. Louis Gottschalk and others, Ithaca, N.Y., 1975, p. 84.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-13

May 13th.

At four in the morning I left Dreux, and rode, till 9 in the evening without stopping
at all: But was then so much fatigued as my Carriage goes very hard, and the roads
being very dusty I determined to go no further than Préz en Pail, which is 16 posts from Dreux, the country is mountaneous, and the roads are not so
good as might be wish'd. This place is in the Province of Maine which forms part of Normandy. The produce of this province, is for the most part
in grain. The fields of grass look miserably. In the morning, I met an whole village,
men, women and children, with the curate at their head, going out in procession to
implore rain of the virgin Mary. I have got into a very indifferent house: they tell
me, they can give me nothing to eat because it is Friday; and no good Catholic ever
eats meat on fridays.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-14

14th.

At 5 in the morning I was in my Cabriolet, and never stopp'd anywhere untill I arrived
at Rennes, which was at 11. at night. By coming through a cross road I shortened the
Journey 3 posts; so that I came only 13 ½ or 81. miles. The roads were so bad that
I could not ride more speedily. I trembled whenever I saw a town before me: for they
are all paved in such a manner, that it seems done on purpose to break every Carriage
that passes through them: mine with the heat of the Sun, and these dreadful roads
is split in several places. At 7 posts from Rennes I entered into the Province of
Britanny: I expected to be visited very strictly; but was agreeably disappointed:
a Custom house officer, came, and ask'd if I had anything in my baggage, contrary
to the king's ordinances: on my answering no; he told my postilion to drive on, without
any further searching: and what surprised me most was that he did not beg a half crown
piece. At Rennes { 268 } my postilion first drove me, to the sign of the sheep, (au mouton) which by all accounts is a very good house: but there was not one empty room in the
house: he then brought me, to such a tavern, as has not I really believe its equal
in France. When I went into the house a dirty, ill looking woman, led me up a rotten
pair of stairs, into a room, where there were a few remnants of paper hangings, which
had formerly decorated it, a table, which was as good as tables in France commonly
are, a chair, in which I dare not sit at ease, lest it should fall to pieces, a bed
stead, that is of a piece with the rest, and numberless cobwebs

Where half starv'd spiders, feed on half starv'd flies

compose the furniture of this apartment. I enquired whether there was any provisions
in the house, and was answered, that I might have some bread and butter. I was glad
to get any thing and ask'd for any thing they could find, but when they had made me
wait an hour, they discovered that they had no butter in the house: I determined to
go to bed but when I endeavoured to lock the door of my Chamber, I found it impracticable.
I heartily wish'd myself out of the house, and went to bed, endeavouring to keep awake,
as much as possible, notwithstanding, I was so much fatigued.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-15

15th.

Left the Hotel d'Artois, at about 5 in the morning, and was determined not to stop again before I arrived
at L'Orient; for I had no Inclination to lodge in another house like those at Rennes
and at Préz-en-Pail. At Josselin a small village, about half way between Rennes and
L'Orient I saw a mountabank, curiously dress'd riding about in the Streets on horseback
beating a drum, with a number of Peasants following him. He made a stop, in a square,
and began to harangue the assembly. I was in my Carriage at the Post office, and while
they were changing horses I was near enough to hear the speech of the Quack. He had
the honour to inform the gentlemen and Ladies that he was the greatest man in the
world at slight hand, that he had exhibited before, the kings of France, Spain and
Holland, to their astonishment and admiration. He continued a considerable time in
the same style, and concluded by saying, that he should this evening give the first
representation of Ovid's Metamorphoses, and as it was merely out of regard for them,
and from no motive of inter• { 269 } | view est that he meant to exhibit,1 his first places should be only 2 sous each. I could not help laughing heartily to
see the fellow go on in that manner while all the peasants round him stood in admiration
of his talents

Grands yeux ouverts, bouche béante.

At about 6 o'clock I arrived at Lo[c]miné; which is 6 ½ posts from L'Orient. They gave me a Postillion who was so drunk
that he could hardly keep on his horse. Before he got out of the town he run one of
the wheels, against the corner of an house, with so much violence, that I expected
the wheel was broke: but luckily it was not. I was in continual fear of being overset
and having my Carriage, if not my bones broke. I got however safe to the End of my
Post: owing more to my good fortune than any thing else: for the roads were very bad.
I rode all night and at 4 o'clock Monday morning arrived at L'Orient. I went to the
Epée Royale, and to the Hotel d'Artois, but there was no Chamber vacant in either. The Postillion then brought me to the
Hotel de la Marine, which is not a good house, but is a Palace in comparison with those I stopp'd at
on the way. The roads between Rennes and this Place, are very hilly and rough, but
are not I think, so bad as those, between Alençon and Rennes. The Country looks very
poor; and the fields seem to produce nothing: but the Country people look neater and
gayer than in any other part of France, and I saw less beggars than I have commonly
met with. What it is owing to I cannot say; but this Province boasts of enjoying peculiar
privileges, and of having a greater portion of liberty than any other. The Bretons
say that their Parliament is the firmest and most respectable in the kingdom: how
far this is true I know not, but it is certain, that the Parliament of Rennes have
distinguished themselves, upon several occasions, when the others did not show the
same courage.

The Expenses of a single person from Paris to L'Orient, in a Cabriolet, the carriage
that is commonly made use of in France, for travelling, are as follows.

If two persons travel together they take only three horses, and the expences being
thus divided, will not amount to more than 300 livres each. The first thing a traveller
should purchase, when he arrives in France, is a Post Book. They are published every
six months and contain every information relative to travelling Post, necessary. They
are to be found at every bookseller's shop.

16th.

I went to bed immediately on my arrival; rose at about 10 in the morning, sent a man
to find out Mr. Barclay. He return'd and told me he was vis-à-vis la maison de Ville. I went and found him very unwell: he had meant to leave L'Orient four or five days
ago; but has been very ill with an humour in his head; but he is now much better,
and thinks to set off next Thursday. I found Mr. Champion1 there, who went with me to Mr. Rucker's lodgings. I found him, and Mr. Grub2 a Gentleman from Carolina. They accompanied me to the man who sold my Cabriolet,
to Mr. Randall; he was much more reasonable, than I expected he would be, for notwithstanding
all the damage, which the heat of the Sun, and the badness of the roads have done
to the Carriage, he gave me 25 louis d'ors for it: and took it just as it was. His
name is Soret. I think I can recommend him to any person who might want to hire or to buy a carriage
at L'Orient. Dined with Mr. Barclay. After dinner, I went with Mr. Champion, to Mr.
Mazois the director of the Packets, and paid him 500 livres for a passage, on board
the Courier de l'Amerique, Captain Fournier. I was much astonished to hear that the Packet will sail tomorrow if the wind remains
as it is. It is very extraordinary that Mr. le Couteulx himself, the director of the
Packets at Paris, should not know when the Packets sail: he tells every passenger
who goes to him, that they are obliged to wait for the Post that arrives from Paris
Wednesday morning.3 A Gentleman who will pass with us, depending upon this, arrived 6 hours too late
for the last Packet, and has been obliged to wait an whole month at L'Orient. I saw
the Captain who gave me a respite; he will not go till to morrow evening, but I depend
only upon a change of wind, for all the Letters which I expect by the next Post. It
is very disagreeable to be thus disappointed by the unpardonable negligence, of those
very persons, on whom, we depend the most.

I bought My bedding, viz: a matrass, a pair of sheets: so large that one will be sufficient
at a time, a pillar, and two pillar Cases. I brought with me from Paris a Coverlid,
and half a dozen napkins, all these articles a person must necessarily have: on board
the Packet you are furnished with every thing else, as I am told.

Spent the evening and Supp'd at Mr. Barclay's; with Mrs. Moylan, Miss Fermier her
Sister, and Mr. Nesbitt.4 Return'd to my Hotel at about 12. at night.†.5

2. James Grubb, a Virginia merchant at Lorient. Thirty years later JQA employed Grubb as his private secretary in London. “He was then [in the 1780s] flourishing in Youth and Prosperity,” JQA wrote to his mother, “but has since been unfortunate, and now with a wife and six
children, even the employment that I give him is a relief to him” (Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 2:450; 3:97; JQA to AA, 24 Aug. 1815, Adams Papers).

4. Jonathan Nesbitt, a merchant banker at Lorient since 1775, and brother of John Maxwell Nesbitt, the
Philadelphia Revolutionary leader and merchant (The Papers of Robert Morris, 1781–1784, ed. E. James Ferguson and John Catanzariti, Pittsburgh, 1973– , 3:298, 520; Blanche
Taggart Hartman, A Genealogy of the Nesbit, Ross, Porter, Taggart Families of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, 1929, p. 7, 8).

5. JQA's cross mark probably refers, as others have, to letters he wrote which were gleaned
from his Diary entries. In this case it is undoubtedly his letter to AA2, 1112–17 May [1785], Adams Papers, in which he describes his journey from Dreux to Lorient.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-17

17th.

Immediately after breakfast I went to Mr. Barclay's. The wind has changed, so that
we shall not sail this day. This gives me pleasure, as I expect a number of Letters,
by the Post that arrives to morrow morning: I went with Captain Fournier to the Hôtel
of Mr. Thevenard the Commandant, but he was not at home. Saw him upon the place of
Parade. Dined with Mr. Grub and Mr. Champion at Mr. Barclay's. After dinner my Captain
came, and took me in his barge, on board the Packet. Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Williamos
were kind enough to write a fortnight ago to the Captain, informing him of my design
to go with him: so that the round house has been kept for me. It is by far the best
apartment in the Packet, except those of the Captain and officers. The Rooms below
the deck are very inconvenient, so small that two persons cannot easily fit together
in one of them. They have no windows in them, which makes them so dark that it is
impossible to read without a candle and must render the air extremely unwholsome.
But the roundhouse has a large window and two { 272 } small ones that open and being upon the deck it is not subject to the bad air that
reigns continually below. Remained on board a couple of hours. Returned and spent
the evening with Mr. Barclay. Mm: Cardan, and her two Daughters supped there. Return'd
home, at 11. o'clock.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-18

18th.

In the morning I went to the Post office, and enquired if there were any Letters for
me; there were none. I immediately went to Monsr. Mazois, to whom I supposed my Letters
would be addressed, but he had none for me neither. I don't know how it happens. I
can only suppose that they were put in the Post Office, so late that they failed,
coming by the Saturday Post; and even if that is the Case, I shall lose them, unless
we are retained here by contrary winds, till friday, which I cannot expect. Early
in the morning I went on board the Packet, with my trunks. One of them was carried
down into the magazine: the other, I had placed in my Room.

Mr. Mazois invited me to sup with him this evening. Dined with Mr. Barclay. Mr. Grub
was there. I went with him to see Mr. McCarty.1 At about 7. in the evening I felt much fatigued and unwell. Took leave of Mr. Barclay,
who leaves this place tomorrow for Paris. Return'd home, and went immediately to bed.

1. Probably William McCarty, an American merchant at Lorient engaged in the importation of whale oil and tobacco
(Jefferson, Papers, 9:330–331, 537–538; 10:195).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-19

19th.

At about 6 o'clock, the Captain of the Packet, and Mr. Salvius, a Sweedish Gentleman, who intends to go with us, called upon me, to go on board and
put all our things in order, so as to be ready at an hours warning. We first went
and took with us a Dutch Gentleman named Mölich who was to sail in the last Packet,
but having been misinform'd by Monsr. le Couteulx, arrived here 6 hours too late,
and has been waiting here ever since. We went all together on board, in the Captain's
barge. I placed all my linen, and whatever I supposed would be necessary for the voyage,
in the draws, in my apartment: we dined on board at twelve o'clock, and immediately
after dinner return'd on shore. I went with Mr. Mölich to the Chambre de Literature. This is a considerable Library supported by subscription. Every subscriber { 273 } has a right to introduce, a friend, and a stranger being once introduced may go whenever
he pleases. Remained there till 4 o'clock. Mr. Mölich then return'd to my lodgings
with me. Was dress'd, and then went with him to the Comedy, where we saw le Sorcier, with les femmes vengées.1 The actors are very indifferent, though we were told that they play'd the second
piece uncommonly well. Supped with Mr. Mölich at the Epée Royale. Returned home at about 11. o'clock. I called in the afternoon at Mr. Barclay's house.
He set off for Paris this morning at 7 o'clock.

20th.

I went down into the Port at about 10 o'clock in the morning. Met Mr. Grub who told
me, that Mr. Thevenard, had a packet of Letters for me. I immediately went to his
Hôtel, and he gave me the packet: it was from the Marquis de la Fayette and inclosed
a number of Letters for America,1 with a sheet of the Leyden gazette2 which says that 20,000 Imperial troops have taken possession of Bavaria, in the name
of the Emperor, and that the elector has left his Capital with his guards, and all
his Court, with the intention to go to the low Countries. If this is true, the exchange,
between the Emperor and the Elector of Bavaria, so much talk'd of, and so positively
denied by the parties, has really taken place; the Marquis writes, that although the
news is by no means certain; he thought the sooner it is known in America, the better.
As I was returning home I met Mr. Mölich in the street, and told him the news, which
was peculiarly interesting to him, as it is to his Country. We went to the Caffé de
la Comedie, and afterwards took a walk out of the town. Went to the Chambre de Literature;
remained there till 2 o'clock. Mr. Mölich then went with me, and dined at my lodgings.
Just as we had done dinner Captain Fournier came in, and delivered a packet, he received
this morning from Mr. Williamos.3 It contained all the Letters that I expected from Paris:4 they must have been put into the Post office at Paris too late to come by the Saturday
post.

Went in the afternoon, and spent a couple of hours with Mr. Rucker. Return'd home,
and wrote all the evening to my Sister. The Wind changed this afternoon, and is now
quite fair for us to go out.

1. 14 May (Adams Papers), which contained documents and the account from the Leyden Gazette, discussed below, but no mention of “letters for America,” and possibly, though not
likely, his letter of 18 May (Adams Papers). Probably the latter never reached JQA before he sailed on 21 May.

2. Not found. The Gazette was reporting rumors. Although Emperor Joseph II had schemed to round off his Austrian
dominions and acquire Bavaria in exchange for the troublesome Austrian Netherlands
and the title of King of Burgundy, no war or invasion of Bavaria to effect the exchange
took place (The Cambridge Modern History, A. W. Ward and others, 13 vols., Cambridge, England, 1902–1911, repr. 1969, 6:646–647;
Paul P. Bernard, Joseph II and Bavaria, The Hague, 1965).

3. Dated 14 May (Adams Papers), which included a letter of introduction to Col. Burr, presumably Thaddeus Burr,
to whom JQA delivered a letter on 17 Aug.

4. According to JQA's letter to his sister started on the 17th and completed on the 20th (Adams Papers), referred to later in the entry, these letters included: one from AA2 (not found); David Humphreys ([ca. May 1785], Adams Papers, enclosing four letters of introduction for JQA, none identified, though perhaps one to Gov. Jonathan Trumbull); and “Letters from
Miss Nancy, and from her Parents” (not found).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-21

Saturday May 21st. 1785.

At 6 o'clock in the morning a person came from the Captain, to inform me that the
wind was fair, and that I must be on board at 9 o'clock. I went to Mr. Mölich's lodgings.
Called at Mr. Barclay's house and breakfasted with Mr. Champion. Bought four pieces
of Nankin at 6. lis: 10 sols: the piece. Saw Mr. Lanchon1 a merchant of Reputation of this Town. He took charge of my Letter for my Sister.
At 9 o'clock Mr. Champion came on board the Packet with us. Immediately they began
to weigh our anchors, but before we could get clear of the harbour, the winds changed,
so that we were obliged to anchor, before Port Louis. At about 11. o'clock, an American
Ship came into the harbour: and as I supposed, it might bring some news, that I might
be glad to know, I ask'd leave to go on board. Mr. Cuyler, a young American who came
in this Packet last March, Mr. Mölich and myself, went on board, but found it was
a vessel from Baltimore, that had been 50 days out.

We returned on board our Packet, and dined. After dinner I went on shore at Port Louis,
with our Captain. We walk'd about the place, till near 6 o'clock, when the Captain
perceived that the wind had come round again. We immediately return'd on board, weigh'd
our anchors and set sail. At 11. o'clock we had got clear of the island of Groix and
were at Sea. I felt very disagreeably, and went immediately to bed: but I could not
sleep; on account of the noise that was made all night, on the deck.2

2. After the following day's entry, JQA wrote irregularly in his Diary throughout the voyage.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-22

22d.

When we rose in the morning, we were out of sight, of Land. We have nothing now but
the ocean and the sky around us. The weather being very fine none of us was very sick:
but almost all the passengers felt such qualms as prevented them from eating any thing
all day: myself among the rest.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-25

25th.

We have had fine weather on board ever since we left L'Orient, but have not in general
been able to enjoy it on account of sea sickness. We begin now to stand a little firmer
upon our legs. The Events that happen on board a Vessel are very seldom interesting,
and the life we lead is very lazy and tiresome. Our Company on board is very gay and
sociable, but is not in general such as I should have wished.

Captain le Fournier is an excellent Seaman; he is 37 years old and has pass'd more than half that time
at Sea; no one could wish to be with a better Captain. He is only 1st. Lieutenant,
but commands the packet, because the Chevalier d'Abouville, is now in America, building
another packet, which he is to command. Captain Fournier expected to receive a Commission
as lieutenant of a Frigate, but such is the delay that the Ministers cause before
they grant the least favour, that he did not receive it: it will probably come to
him by the next Packet: he will then have the command of this Vessel. I heartily wish
he may succeed: for he is not only a good Seaman but an excellent man. If such men
had the command in the french Navy, they would not be so often exposed to lose their
fleets as they are, but in France, few persons of merit can make their way in the
military profession; without credit at Court. A Man must have an education as a fine
gentleman, must be a Courtier and an intriguer to obtain any rank. The exceptions
to this rule are few. They would be numerous if the Event was consulted. Monsr. de la Motte Piquet, one of the best officers in the French Navy had nothing but his merit to recommend
him, and certainly among their noble Seamen they { 276 } can find none that behaved better in the course of the last war. Very few did their
duty so well.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0024

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-27

27th.

Still the same scene fine weather, little wind. At about noon, we spoke to an English
brig, Coming from Cadiz, and bound to Ordiné, a small town, in the british Channel.

Mr. Le Bel our first Lieutenant is a man of about 35 years; who is also an excellent Seaman.
I believe he has pass'd a great part of his Life at Sea. His Character is much that
of a mariner who has lost by the life he has lead all the tender feelings that form
in my opinion the charms of Life. He has all the exteriors of Complaisance but he
is a perfect egoist, so far as to declare in Conversation that he cares not what happens
to the whole Universe, when he is once dead. His principles are always such as his
Interest requires, and he makes no mystery to declare it publicly. He was a prisoner
in England during the war, and was in America, with the french fleet; he was married
there, to an American. It does not give me pleasure to see my Countrywomen form such
connections: but as he will never settle in America, the harm is not so great. I shall
endeavour to keep upon good terms with all the officers, and passengers during the
voyage, but this is not certainly the person whose company I shall regret [losing?] after our arrival at New York.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0007-0025

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-05-31

31st.

High Wind, directly contrary. The Vessel roll'd so much that most of the passengers
were sick. We saw yesterday a great number of Porpoises, which according to the opinion
of Seamen in general, is always a certain sign of much wind. We have made very little
progress as yet.

Mr. Halley our second Lieutenant is a young man, under 20. He has pass'd a great part of his
time at Sea, and is much of a gentleman. The Character I have found this person to
possess is for me, a lesson which has been often repeated to me, never to judge any
one from his first appearance; had my opinion been ask'd concerning our officers,
I should have supposed Mr. Halley, had a hard Character, and was very inflammable,
whereas he is the most agreeable of the 3 officers on board; he has been in this packet
ever since the Institution: consequently, this is his fourth { 277 } Voyage to New-York. He tells me we shall in all probability have a passage of at least
50 days. This packet has never had a shorter one from L'Orient to New York. The Captain
has determined to go down for the trade Winds.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-01

Wednesday June 1st. 1785.

Small wind. The Season for Calm weather is coming forward, and I am afraid we shall
have a long passage; in the afternoon we saw a ship and pass'd within a mile from
her but the weather being dark and foggy we could not see her distinctly. Towards
night the wind freshened.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-04

4th.

Our Wind has been very low for several days. 15 or 20 leagues a day is the utmost
extent of our route.

Mr. Well de Singler is a youth 18 years old, consequently he cannot be a good Seaman; this is only his
second voyage. His first was to India. His manners are by no means agreeable. He has
some reading, and was two or three years in a College at Paris. He is full of his
knowledge, and does not doubt but he is the most learned man on board though the youngest.
He commonly engroces the conversation wherever he is, and maintains his opinion in
the most positive manner, upon any subject whatever. His principles are to fight with
every body, and upon the most trivial occasions; he even gives to understand, that
if opportunities fail, he takes care to create them. He pretends to be of noble birth
and affects to despise every body who is not noble. In short I think it an unlucky
circumstance that I am obliged to remain with him during 50 days. I cannot conceive
how the lives of 50 or 60 persons can be sported with so far as to place a boy commanding
officer on board a kings ship, but so it is, and every thing in France depends upon
protection at Court. I don't wonder their marine has never been able to resist the
English Navy. Very luckily for us, there is another officer on board who keeps the
watch with Mr. Singler; so that I am not anxious as I should be if a person who knows
very little more than I, of the Sea was in bad weather alone to command on deck.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-08

8th.

Continual calms, and contrary winds. We are now at about 38 degrees of Latitude, and
are not far from the western Islands. Consequently we have not yet run 400 leagues.
We saw in the forenoon a brigg and in the afternoon, she pass'd about 2 leagues from
us, and hoisted an English flag. It is a common custom when 2 vessels meet at Sea,
they hoist the flag of their respective nations: in peace I mean; for in war it is
different.

Mr. Le Breton of about 32 years, has been a Seaman at least 20. During the late war he commanded
a privateer from Dunkirk and another from Zierikze'e. He was sometime prisoner in
England. He is on board this Packet as a subaltern officer, but pays the Captain,
to live at his table. The reason of this is, that Mr. Le Breton has a vessel building
for him to command, when he has his campaigns. The Undertakers in France, will never insure a merchant vessel unless her Captain,
has serv'd as officer in the kings service, at least two campaigns of three months
each, and this is called to have their campaigns, and is what Mr. Le Breton is performing. He is one of the most agreeable persons
on board. He sings very prettily, and entertains us highly almost every evening with
his songs. He always keeps the watch with Mr. de Singler, which relieves me from a
vast deal of anxiety.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-11

11th.

This day being Captain Fournier's, jour de fête, he gave us an excellent entertainment on board: and when his health was drank at
the desert, 5 guns were fir'd in his Honour. As there was a more considerable space
of time between the fourth and fifth than between the others Mr. Le Bel was very much
irritated: fearing that the fifth would not be fired; a salute in an even number is
English, and of course the odd number, is French. But an even number on board a french
vessel, and an odd one on board an Englishman, are equally look'd upon as an insult.
I had in the evening a disagreeable dispute with Mr. Singler, who is some times really
insupportable. Calm weather still all day.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-14

14th.

Last Evening the wind freshened considerably, and we have now a very fine breeze.
It began to be necessary, for the continual { 279 } calm, that has reign'd, almost all the time, since we left L'Orient have lengthened
our Voyage very much. I have now no hopes of being less than 50 days at Sea. I fear
more. By coming for the trade winds, the passage may be much longer than to go northward
of the western islands, but, it is commonly much surer. By the other way a vessel
in this Season, may be 3 or 4 months at Sea, which very seldom happens when they take
this route.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-15

15th.

Still a fine wind. Yesterday, we ran 50 leagues, and in all probability we shall not
do less to day. By yesterday I mean the Solar day from noon to noon, the manner in
which all nations compute time, at Sea. At about noon we saw a sail at a considerable
distance, but we did not remain long in sight of one another. In the evening our wind
fell a little.

Mr. Bouchant the surgeon of the Packet is about 30 years old. The surgeons on board all the vessels
belonging to the King of France are called chirurgiens majors and in conversation they are address'd monsieur le major, so that I have been obliged to day to ask his name: he appears to be a very good
man, and to be well versed in his profession. He affects no pedantry, and is an excellent
Companion, as well as a good surgeon. These are the officers on board the Packet,
who keep the Captains Company, and live at his table. On board their frigates and
men of war the officers are in greater number and there is commonly a chaplain in
addition to the rest at the Captain's table. On board the English ships, the Captain
has his own table, and the officers a seperate one. There is in the English Navy,
a much greater distance between the Captain and the officers, than in the French.
I don't know which custom is preferable but in case of an action, in war, you hear
much oftener the french officers complain of their orders being disobey'd, than among
the English. I don't know but it is owing to this manner of affecting a great distance
between the rank of their officers. The old maxim familiarity creates contempt is certainly a very good one, and is almost always true.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-18

18th.

Our wind is still good but is almost all gone, and we have not run more than 20 or
25 leagues, within the last 48 hours. This forenoon we saw something at Sea, but we
could not distinguish { 280 } what. Some said it was a very large piece of wood. Others, were of opinion, that it
was a boat overset. It pass'd at a small distance, and amused us for half an hour.
At Sea, such is the continual sameness of the surrounding objects that the smallest
trifle becomes interesting, and is sufficient to excite our curiosity and occupy our
attention.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-20

20th.

Continual calms. Our passage will I fear be a very long one. We have fine weather,
but we would willingly agree to have less Sun, and more wind. The weather begins to
be very hot and we are in the Latitude of 26d. 30m. But the Sea air makes the warmth
more supportable. This evening, as we were near the tropic one of the officers, according
to the custom universally established, of wetting all the persons on board who have
not cross'd the tropic, sprinkled us with a little water: one of the passengers, who
is fond of such amusements; as the french in general are; returned the officer's Compliment,
with an whole bucket of water. This was as a signal to us all; we immediately form'd
two parties, and we were all, officers and passengers, wet from head to foot before
we ended. I believe more than 200 buckets of water were spilt upon the deck in the
course of the evening. One of the passengers alone receiv'd thirty buckets. Such a
diversion is not very instructive nor very agreeable, but may be pass'd over for once:
I hope it will not be repeated.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-24

24th.

We have been for several days in the trade winds: But have had calm weather till yesterday
morning, since when we have had a breeze, which makes us run 40 leagues in 24 hours.
This is St. John's day, a great holiday, wherever the Roman Catholic Religion is dominant.
O! grand Saint Jean c'etait alors ta fête!

Mr. Mölich, is a young merchant of Amsterdam, 23 years old. Since the Peace he has in society
with one of his Countrymen, set up a commercial house in Charlestown,1 under the firm of Schmidt & Mölich. He is now going to join his partner, and proposes
going by Land from New York to Charlestown. I believe his journey, will not be a very
agreeable one. He has travelled almost all over Europe, and has been twice to the
West Indies. He has by this means acquired a considerable knowledge of the { 281 } world, and a genteel appearance. His manners are pleasing, and he possesses a virtue
which is met with oftener in Holland than in France; that of sincerity: He is serious
as the Dutch in general are: and is subject to absence of mind very often, in so much,
that we tell him he is deeply in love; and I really believe he is. A good quality
but which leads him now and then into error is a fondness for his Country, which cannot
bear that any one should speak slightly of it. He is the person on board with whom
I am the most intimate, and whose Sentiments agree the most with my own.

28th.

Fine Wind, and good weather. We have for several days run between 40 and 50 leagues
every day. In the evening we spoke to an american brig from New London, bound to Santa
Cruce1 loaded with horses. Her Longitude, was 55 from the meridian of London. Ours was 56d.
30m. from that of Paris, so that the difference was very small. We saw another vessel
to day, and a sail yesterday, but at a considerable distance.

Mr. Fontfreyde,2 is a frenchman by birth, but he has pass'd several years in America; and he is settled
at Albany. He was formerly an officer in the french army. All things considered I
believe this gentleman is the most accomplished person on board. His manners are very
soft and agreeable. He has received a very good education, and to the Complaisance
natural to all the French Nation, his knowledge, of the world has united a Candour,
which is not so often to be found among them. 36 years have tempered the vivacity
of his youth, and though a person of the strictest honour he has a character of the
most pacific kind. In short if all the officers and passengers on board were like
this gentleman, the passage would have appeared, much shorter, and much more agreeable
to me.

1. Probably Saint Croix, also known as Santa Cruz, the largest of the Virgin Islands.

2. Probably John (Jean Baptiste?) Fontfreyde, a merchant who purchased a freedom from the corporation of Albany in 1781, that
is, his right to the privileges of the town (Joel Munsell, The Annals of Albany, 10 vols., Albany, N.Y., 1850–1859, 10:153; Lasseray, Les français sous les treize étoiles, 1:218).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0008-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-06-30

30th.

The weather is very good, but the winds begin to be very variable as we approach to
the term of the trade winds: by our observation we are now about an hundred leagues
from the Bermudas. We have had calm weather all day, extremely warm, so that no body
could bear a coat. These seas are subject to very frequent squalls, and thunder storms,
which are sometimes dangerous: we must expect to meet with three or four: but the
mariners have been so often taught by cruel experience to be prudent that they now
always begin to lessen their Sail before the Storm gets to them, and they are in general
prepared for it when it comes.

Mr. Huron Du Rocher1 is a merchant from Nantes, about 34 years old. He has form'd a commercial house in
Philadelphia since the war, but has suffered as so many other persons have. He is
now going over to America, in order to settle his affairs there. He proposes to remain
there, about an year. He has received a liberal education, and has a great deal of
wit, with a character a little inclined to Satyrical observations. His reflections,
under the mask of gaiety are biting and severe; and have the more effect because it
is impossible to take them ill. He does not however make a bad use of the Talent he
is endow'd with: which when kept within proper bounds is useful and agreeable: but
which becomes: very hurtful and dangerous if the person who has it cannot restrain
it on many occasions. Mr. Huron does not intend to remain any time at New-York; but
to set out for Philadelphia, the day we shall go on shore.

1. This may be Lawrence Huron (see following entry), listed as a Philadelphia merchant in 1785. In addition to
interests in Philadelphia, Lawrence was involved with his brother, Jean Baptiste,
in landholdings in several Kentucky counties (Macpherson's Directory for the City and Suburbs of Philadelphia..., Philadelphia, 1785; Cal. Franklin Papers, A.P.S., 4:358; Jefferson, Papers, 9:49–50).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-01

Friday July 1st. 1785.

Calm weather all day. In the evening it began to lighten, and our thunder spire was
fix'd; this is a small chain, fastened at the mast head; the other end of which hangs
in the water, but as it is made, I believe in case of a thunder storm, it must be
rather hurtful than of service. For the chain is so small, that I cannot think it
would conduct much lightening; besides which it touches to a great number of ropes,
and to the hull of the ship { 283 } itself; which I believe, must infallibly take fire in case, the lightening should
fall on this spire. The evening was extremely warm and the passengers, all except
Mr. Huron and myself, went early to their chambers. We remained on deck till 3 o'clock
in the morning. At about one, the air was very heavy, the weather was as calm as possible.
The darkness of the night, was heightened, by a number of black threatening Clouds,
that surrounded us, and by the flashes of lightening, which were very frequent, and
sharp. I was observing to Mr. Huron what a profound calm reign'd in the atmosphere,
when a gust of wind sufficient to blow a hat from ones head, came as if on purpose
to give me the lye. Immediately Mr. Halley who had the watch ordered all the sails
except the four largest, to be lowered: the wind from North west changed in an instant
to West, and for half an hour were not five minutes at the same point. The squall
pass'd at a small distance from us and we felt but little of it. At 2 o'clock, the
weather was as calm as it had been all the evening. These squalls and thunderstorms,
which are very frequent in these Seas; are what mariners dread very much. Such a leap
in the wind when the vessel has all sail out, and a storm of this kind falls suddenly
upon it may often dismast it: so that a great deal of precaution is necessary, in
order to be prepared for the reception of these gusts. Very few Vessels pass near
the Bermudas, without meeting with more or less of this kind of weather.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-04

4th.

Calm weather continually: and so warm that it is almost insupportable. We still esteem
ourselves 50 leagues East of the Bermudas. I wish'd very much to arrive in America
before this day, which is the greatest day in the year, for every true American. The
anniversary of our Independance. May heaven preserve it: and may the world still see

1. JQA's quotation is from “Britannia,” lines 195–199, by James Thomson, a particular favorite
of AA, who committed some of his work to memory. In Thomson's poem, the first line given
above actually reads: “A state, alone, where Liberty should live” (The Complete Poetical Works of James Thomson, ed. J. Logie Robertson, London, 1908, p. 477; Adams Family Correspondence, 1:391).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-07

7th.

At length we have reason to hope that an end is put to the calms with which we have
been almost incessantly tormented, and which has kept us already, nearly fifty days
at Sea: with 200 leagues still before us. This morning we had a small breeze that
carried us about 3 knots an hour but it lasted only a short time and fell again into
the same insipid state of nullity it had been in for a week past. At 11 o'clock another
breeze came, which continued longer, and carried us more than 4 knots. The air was
however still very heavy, and the atmosphere seemed crowded with thunder clouds. At
about 6 in the evening it began to lighten and before 8 o'clock the rain pour'd down
like a torrent. 5 or 6 storms from different parts of horizon pass'd over our heads,
and burst one after the other. One clap of thunder was very heavy, and fell at a small
distance from the ship. I cannot imagine a more striking situation than that of a
vessel at Sea, at midnight, with no moon, having five or six such storms around her.
At about 10 o'clock the air which had been all the evening intolerably warm, grew
suddenly very fresh, but the storms continued almost all night, and at two o'clock
in the morning it rain'd almost as hard as ever. I then went to bed.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-09

9th.

The air was so effectually cleared by the breaking up of the storms which occupied
the atmosphere, that we have had since yesterday morning, a fine breeze, which has
sometimes made the ship run 8 knots an hour. In the last 24 hours we have shortened
our voyage 53 leagues. Yesterday morning we saw a sloop, which pass'd about ½ a league
starboard of us. She had no topmast. I wish'd the Captain to bear down, and speak
to her, in order to be more certain where we are: but there is among mariners an unbecoming
vanity, which induces them, to think, they must trust to their own point alone, and
that it is dishonourable to be obliged to consult any other person. Such trivial passions
seem to be in possession of the heart of man; every profession has some such false
point of honour, which is productive of much harm, and of no good, but such is the
force of prejudice, that few persons have force sufficient to surmount it. We suppose
ourselves now about 150 leagues from New York. Such weather would carry us there in
a very short time. I wish it may continue as it is.

Mr. Salvius is a Sweedish merchant about 24 years old: I have spoken of all the other passengers
on board before him, because his character is the most extraordinary of all. The moon
has certainly a considerable influence on his mind. Upon the whole he has I believe
a good heart: but he will quarrel with a person without any reason at all. His passion
immediately vents itself, in terms, which one would be obliged to resent, if they
were made use of by any other person, but which are not to be taken notice of coming
from him: an hour afterwards, he will come and ask your pardon for what he has said,
and yet, will begin again with as little reason as before. His head is full of plans
and projects, which have not a shadow of comonon Sense; yet he has had a good education
and often talks upon different subjects very sensibly and with much knowledge. Politeness
and cleanliness seem excluded from his System of life; and one of our witty passengers
wrote these four lines which form a curious epigram.

Salvius ce nom me parait admirable

A qui le porte il ne convient pas mal

Car en le voyant soit au lit soit à Table

Chacun s'ecrie, ah! bon dieu qu'il est Sal,! vius &c.

He sail'd about 15 months ago from Hamborough for Philadelphia and pass'd in this
Packet, last February: he remained from that time till we sail'd; at L'Orient, and
he owns himself that he had nothing to do there. He now returns to America, and it
would not be extraordinary, if he should sail with this Packet again for France, in
August. He is so mysterious and mistrusting, that he tells nobody who or what he is:
and never lets a word slip that may hint what are his intentions of any kind. He is
not an agreeable companion, and I would not be obliged to live with him, upon any
account.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-11

11th.

A fresh breeze, and good wind, at about 11 o'clock, we spy'd a sail, and at ¾ after
12 we spoke to her. Found her to be an English Schooner from New York, bound to Jamaica.
She left New York five days ago, and they suppose her at 69d. 40m. Longitude meridian
of London which is two degrees, thirty minutes, west from Paris. Our Captain supposes
us, at 72d. 55m. from Paris: which makes 45 minutes, or 16 leagues difference. ¼ of
an hour { 286 } after we spoke to her we saw another sail, which was a large ship. She pass'd about
a league windward of us. At about 3 o'clock we made a third, and as the wind blew
very fresh in an hour's time she was as far behind us as she was when we first perceiv'd
her. It was a large brig, and seem'd going directly opposite to our course. At about
6 o'clock, the wind blew hard, and for a quarter of an hour we ran at least at the
rate of 10 knots. In the evening: it lightened so sharp and so frequently that the
horizon appeared all in a flame. At midnight, it blew a storm, notwithstanding which
we sounded but found no bottom.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-14

14th.

Yesterday at about 8 o'clock in the morning, we spied a sail, at our windward; her
course was nearly the same with ours. We sailed swifter than she, and gained ground
so fast that at 6 in the evening she was not more than a league distant from us, to
the leward. The night coming on, made us lose sight of her. In the evening we had
about the ship at least a dozen of small birds of the size of a swallow, which the
french call Alcides;1 I don't know the English name. They are black all, except in the hind part of the
back, which is white: they made a very disagreeable, and a very clamorous noise. The
mariners, who find presages and omens, in almost every object they see, pretend, that
they never appear except before, or after bad weather. I must however own that in
this case their prognostics happen to be true. This morning at day light, we found
the sloop within gun shot of us at leeward, and at about 7 o'clock we made two other
sail at windward. At 2 o'clock afternoon the sloop came, and spoke to us. She was
from Charlestown bound to New port, and supposes herself 45 leagues from land. From
the number of persons we saw on deck, we supposed it was the Packet. Our weather has
been very variable for these four or five days. We have run one day with another from
20 to 25 leagues. We have sounded at midnight these three last nights but without
success.

15th.

This morning with a fine breeze and good wind, we sounded and found bottom, at about
35 fathom of water: we were from { 287 } thence convinced that the vessel we spoke to yesterday had deceived us with respect
to our distance from land, or was very much mistaken, for so little water as 25 fathom
is not to be found more than 15 or 20 leagues from the coast. We sail'd directly North,
to get into our Latitude and at noon were at 39d. 45m. The wind had fallen, and became
unfavourable, but it did not last so long. We found bottom at 18 fathom, in the afternoon;
but at about 5 o'clock, a very threatning thunder storm arose; the Captain wishing
to keep clear of the coast in case of a storm directed the ship towards the N. E.
At about 7. o'clock, the gust came, upon us in a very sudden, and a very violent manner:
the wind was exceeding high, and the rain pour'd down in showers. It did not last
more than an hour, and then the wind abated considerably. At 5 o'clock we found 40
fathom of water, and at 7. 25.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-16

16th.

This morning at 7 ½ o'clock the weather, which had been all night very cloudy, began
to clear up and a sailor came from the top of the mast and told us he had made land
in the N. N. W. As we had yesterday a false alarm, we did not at first believe it:
some of our officers, went to the mast head, and ascertained the reality of the fact.
The land which extended a considerable way, was the coast of the Jerseys, as far,
as the heights of Neversunk [Neversink]. By noon we were within 5 leagues of land, and we fired several guns for a pilot
to come, on board: at about 1: we had one, and we were in hopes of getting up to New
York this evening, but by 3 o'clock, the breeze fell away, and the wind came round
to the west: so that the tide being also against us, we could not proceed, and we
anchored about a league from the light house on sandy hook. We remained there till
10 at night, when the tide became favourable to us: we then again set sail and with
some difficulty got into North River. At about 12 o'clock at night we pass'd by the
Martinique, the french packet; the Captain hail'd us, and inform'd ours that he intended
to sail early in the morning for France: he sent his boat on board, and I had just
time to write a Line to my mother,1 to inform her of my arrival.

Sunday July 17th. 1785.

At four in the morning we came to anchor, and weigh'd it again at eight o'clock: we
sailed up the North River, and pass'd by the ruins of the forts built by the British
while they were in possession of New York. Upon Staten Island they are numerous. The
Entrance of this river furnishes a number of very beautiful prospects; and the Situation
of a number of country Seats upon Long Island is exceeding fine. At about noon we
arrived directly before the City, and anchored near the shore. All the other passengers
immediately went on shore. I waited to have my trunks cleared, and at about 2 went
on shore at Long Island and dined with Monsr. de Marbois1 the french Consul. He has from his house, (which stands on an elevation, and commands
at once the City, the river, Staten and Governor's Islands, and the harbour) one of
the finest prospects I ever saw. After dinner I went with the Captain, over to the
City, and walk'd about with him. Took a lodging at Cape's tavern, which appears not
to be a good one, but is said to be the most tolerable in town. We met Mr. Sears2 at the Coffee house, and went with him, to his house: set half an hour with him,
and then we again return'd on board, where I preferred passing the night (as my trunks
were there,) rather than at Capes. Found Mr. Salvius and Mr. Fontfreyde, on board,
for the same reason that I was there.

The french packets are certainly an excellent institution, but they are extremely
expensive to the french government. The six packets do not cost the king less than
200,000 livres a year: for this reason it is said there are to be only four which
will sail every two months. Every passenger pays five hundred livres for his passage,
and it is customary to give about 2 louis d'ors among the Servants on board and the
ships Crew. You live at the Captains table, and have a small apartment on board, to
yourself. You must provide whatever refreshments you may be in need of: and must find
your own sheets, and pillows and napkins. You are allow'd one matrass, and you may
embark with you 2 trunks of four feet cube; if you have any thing more you pay freight.
All the french packets are ships. The Courier de l'Amerique, has 96 feet of keel,
and bears about 200 tuns. The others are nearly of the same size.

1. François Marbois, later Comte and Marquis de Barbé-Marbois, a French diplomat long involved in American
affairs, beginning in 1779 as secretary to the French minister, the Chevalier de La
Luzerne, then as chargé d'affaires a year later, and finally consul general in 1783.
Marbois and the Chevalier de La Luzerne { 289 } had sailed to America with the Adamses on La Sensible in 1779 and learned English from JQA during the voyage. The Frenchmen were “in raptures with my Son,” JA commented, who was, they insisted, the “Master of his own Language like a Professor.”
After the completion of the voyage, Marbois wrote to the elder Adams, encouraging
him to take JQA back to France where the young man could obtain educational advantages unequaled
in America (Howard C. Rice, “French Consular Agents in the United States, 1778–1791,”
The Franco-American Review, 1:369 [Spring 1937]; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 2:385; Marbois to JA, 29 Sept. 1779, Adams Papers).

2. Isaac Sears, the New York merchant who had emerged as a leader of the Sons of Liberty during
the Stamp Act crisis and was one of the earliest in New York to call for a general
congress of the colonies. Sears was serving in the state legislature and the chamber
of commerce (DAB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-18

18th.

At about 9 in the morning, I went on shore with my trunks, which were search'd, so
that I almost thought myself in Europe again. I went to Cape's, and after I had put
all in order, went immediately to Mr. Jay, N: 8. Broadway. I then went to his office,
which is at the corner of Dock Street, and found him there. I deliver'd to him all
the Letters I had for him, and remain'd with him half an hour. I then return'd and
visited Mr. van Berkel the Dutch Minister. Dined with Mr. Jay and after dinner, went
immediately, to see Mr. Gerry (N: 61. King Street). Spent some time with him, and
then went with him and Mr. King,1 and was introduced to the president of Congress,2 to Mr. Hardy,3 and Mr. Monroe of the Virginia delegation and to several other gentlemen. I went
to governor Clinton's,4 but he was not within. We walk'd round the rampart, and waited upon Mr. Gardoqui5 the spanish chargé des affaires. He was not at home. We met Mr. Ellery and Mr. Howell
of the Rhode Island delegation,6 and Mr. McHenry7 of the Maryland. Spent part of the Evening with Mr. Osgood,8 and return'd to my lodging at about 9 o'clock.

1. Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King were Massachusetts delegates to the congress, 1776–1781 and 1782–1785, and 1784–1787,
respectively (Biog. Dir. Cong.).

2. Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate 1774–1780, 1784–1787, and president from Nov. 1784 for one year
(same; JCC, 27:649).

8. Samuel Osgood, Massachusetts delegate, 1780–1784, had been elected commissioner of the United States
Treasury by the congress earlier in the year and lived in New York (same; Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 17:412–419).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-19

19th.

Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. The President of Congress, who was there
was so kind as to offer me, a room in his house. I delivered almost all the remainder
of my Letters for this place. Saw Coll. Wadsworth,1 and delivered to him a Copy of the proposals concerning whale oil, which I received
from the Marquis de la Fayette. Dined with the President of Congress, in company with
General Howe.2 After dinner I carried to General Webb,3 a letter from Coll. Humphreys. Walk'd in the mall, and met Mr. Baldwin,4 a delegate from Georgia. Went to his house, sat half an hour, and return'd to my
lodgings. Mr. Mölich came in soon after, and told me he intended leaving New York
early to-morrow morning, upon business, and to return here on Saturday.

1. Jeremiah Wadsworth, a Connecticut merchant, who had served as deputy and commissary general of the Continental
Army, 1777–1779, and also as commissary for Rochambeau's forces until the end of the
war (DAB).

2. Robert Howe, commander of the Southern Department of the Continental Army, 1777–1778, was appointed
by the congress the following month to work on boundary negotiations with the western
Indians (DAB; JCC, 29:620).

20th.

Mr. Mölich went away at about 6 o'clock. In the forenoon, I delivered the remaining
Letters, I had still on my hands. Saw Mr. Searle, with whom I was formerly acquainted
in Holland. Dined with Mr. Leroy. Mr. Chabanel his Cousin, is to sail for Europe,
in the course of three weeks. Drank tea at Mr. Ramsay's and found a considerable company
there. Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Gardoqui, and Mr. Randon, his secretary, who it is said
is shortly to marry Miss Marshall. I received a Card1 from the president offering me again an apartment in his House; I have endeavoured
to excuse myself: but it is offered again with so much kindness and politeness that
I do not think I can refuse it. I promised to { 291 } | view { 292 } wait upon the president in the morning. Paid a visit to Mrs. Price.

21st.

At 7 o'clock in the morning I left Cape's tavern, and went to carry one of my trunks,
to Water Street N: 7. where Mr. Fontfreyde lives, as I intend to send the trunk by
the first opportunity to Boston, and I preferr'd leaving it with a friend, to taking
it with me. Dr. A. Lee,1 arrived last night; and lodges with the president, his brother. I went and delivered
a letter to Governor Clinton, who inform'd me, that the English packet came in last
night. I immediately went with the governor's Nephew2 to Mr. Jay, and inquired if there was any account from my father. He had just sent
the Letters to Congress. The 1st. of June my father was presented to the King of England,
and was pretty well receiv'd. I met Mr. Curson at the Coffee house. He saw my father
the last day of May, but did not bring me any Letters. O! my dear Sister! do you already
forget your promise? Dined with the delegates from Massachusetts.3 They live with a Mrs. Mercer. Miss Mercer, is a very fine young lady, and I believe
a most amiable character. She appears very young, and though not a perfect beauty,
the sweetness, that is to be seen in her countenance, is in my eyes preferable to
it. I met Mr. Fontfreyde at 7 o'clock, and we went and bathed together in the river
a little ways out of town. Went in the evening to see Mr. Salvius but found him not
at home.

2. Probably Alexander Clinton, eldest son of James Clinton, the Revolutionary general; Alexander was his uncle's
private secretary until his unexpected death two years later (E. Wilder Spaulding,
His Excellency George Clinton: Critic of the Constitution, N.Y., 1938, p. 161).

3. In addition to Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King, the Massachusetts delegation included
Samuel Holten and George Partridge, who had been elected a delegate but apparently
was not present in New York at this time (JCC, 27:642; Biog. Dir. Cong.).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-22

22d.

Waited upon Mr. Salvius in the morning. He is in a disagreeable situation here; his
trunk having been seized by a custom• { 293 } house officer. I applied to the delegates of Massachusetts, to know if any thing was
to be done for him, and Mr. King was so kind as to go with me, to two other gentleman:
but nobody, could assist him: I am really sorry for what has happened to him, and
wish I could assist him; but in this Country the laws are superior to every thing,
and I fear Mr. Salvius will lose his trunk. I walk'd an hour with Mr. Osgood, went
home and was dress'd. Dined with Mr. van Berkel, where I met with Major L'Enfant,1 who appears to be a sensible man. Drank tea, at Mr. Secretary Thomson's.2 A number of ladies were present: one very handsome. Visited Mr. Sears in the Evening.
Saw his Lady, he himself, was not at home. The weather has been uncommonly hot to
day.

1. Pierre Charles L'Enfant, French volunteer in the American army, had become since the war's end well-known
in New York for his artistic and architectural designs. He later employed his talents
in redesigning for the new federal congress what became Federal Hall in New York city
and was responsible for the plan of the federal city along the Potomac years later
(DAB).

2. Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress during its entire existence (same).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-23

23d.

After breakfast I went to see Coll. Monroe, and Mr. Hardy, of the Virginia delegation.
Call'd upon Mr. Fontfreyde. Lounged about untill near two o'clock, and then return'd
again to N (189) where the gentlemen of the Virginia delegation lodge. Mr. Gerry,
Mr. King, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Smith,1 and myself, went all in the president's Carriage, to General Knox,2 who lives about 2 miles out of town. There was a considerable company at dinner.
Miss R. Sears, was remarkable among the Ladies, and was exceedingly pretty. She has
lately been ill, and is a little pale, but had she sufficient colour, she would I
think be a compleat beauty.

Mr. Hardy, advised me to spend sometime in Virginia, with Mr. Wythe,3 who has form'd a sort of a law academy, which, he as well as Mr. Jefferson, and the
president think a most usefull institution. Mr. Hardy wishes that there may be much
intercourse between the different States, in order to increase, our Union. And for
that purpose he thinks that it would be very useful for the youths of one State, to
be educated in another.

Went in the Evening to the Coffee house and at about 9 o'clock returned home.

2. Henry Knox had been appointed by the congress in March secretary at war, in which position he
continued to serve until the formation of the government under the federal constitution
(DAB).

3. George Wythe, judge of Virginia's chancery court, was appointed in 1779, while Jefferson was governor,
to the first chair of law in America, at William and Mary College (same).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-24

24th.

Went in the forenoon to St. Paul's church and heard Mr. Doughty preach a sermon upon
a text in Corinthians, concerning the knowledge of ourselves. He spoke to the general
satisfaction of the Congregation. I afterwards went with the Captain on board our
packet, and dined there. Saw Mr. B. Jarvis1 who invited me to go over next Sunday to Long Island. We went and engaged a Phaèton
at Brooklyn, a small town on the island, opposite to N. York. Return'd to the City,
and drank tea with Mr. Smith. Walk'd with Mr. Jarvis, on the batteries, till about
9 o'clock.

25th.

Waited upon Major L'Enfant in the morning; gave him a Letter for le Chevalier d'Antroches.
The President dined at the french Consul's on Long Island. I went in the afternoon
to see Mr. Salvius, and found the officers of the packet with him. Called upon Mr.
Jay who was not at home.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-26

26th.

I stroll'd about the town almost all the forenoon; dined with Coll. Monroe, and Mr.
Hardy, from Virginia. Mr. A. Lee left town in the afternoon. I walk'd with Mr. Gerry
and Mr. King till 7 o'clock, when I went and called on Mr. Mölich who returned last
evening from his trip into the Country. Sat with him till about 9.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-27

27th.

Breakfasted with Mr. Gerry in Company, with Mr. Söderström the Sweedish Consul at
Boston who arrived here lately. Went with Mr. Mölich and visited Mr. van Berkel, and
{ 295 } Mr. Le Roi; Dined at Mr. Ramsay's in Company with Mr. Gardoqui, Mr. Randon, General
Howe, General Knox, Miss Susan Livingston for whom I had a Letter, and several other
persons. Miss L. appears to me to be a great talker, but says very little. Somewhat
superficial, if I am not mistaken; which must always be pardoned in a Lady. Miss Marshall,
is much more pleasing to me. Perhaps I judge wrong. Major L'Enfant is a true frenchman.
I don't know what to make of Don Francisco.

It was between five and six o'clock, when we sat down to dinner, and it was near nine,
before I came away.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-28

28th.

Dr. Crosby1 came and paid me a visit in the morning. I went to see Mr. Jay, and staid about an
hour with him. Dined at Cape's tavern with the Captain and officers of the Packet.
The stage for New Haven leaves this place every Monday, and thursday; it goes from
Cape's: I wish much to get away by next monday but fear I shall not be able to. Saw
Major L'Enfant, and Mr. van Berkel in the Evening.

1. Ebenezer Crosby was the son of Joseph Crosby, a Braintree justice of the peace. From 1785 until his
death, Crosby was professor of midwifery at Columbia (Joshua Chamberlain, Universities and Their Sons: History, Influence and Characteristics of American Universities
with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Alumni and Recipients of Honorary Degrees . . . , 5 vols., Boston, 1898–1900, 4:332).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-29

29th.

Dined with the president and Mr. Harrison, Mr. Osgood was so kind as to give me a
Letter for Mr. Clarke at Providence, to whom I can send my trunk. Drank tea at Mrs.
Sears's. Harrison appears to be much attached to Miss Becca. Went on board the Packet
in the evening, and spent a couple of hours there. She is to sail the 15th. instant
the british Packet will sail the 4th.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-30

30th.

Called upon the Massachusetts delegates in the morning, and afterwards upon those
of Virginia. Dined with a large Company, at the president's. He entertains three times
a week, and has commonly about 25 persons at his table; all men. I was introduced
to Captain Kortright who it is said has two fine Sisters. I went and spent the evening
with Mr. Mölich who leaves this place to morrow for Philadelphia.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0009-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-07-31

31st.

At about 10 in the morning I cross'd the river with Mr. B. Jarvis and found his brother
Charles at Brooklyn. We went from thence to Jamaica which is 12 miles from the ferry.
It is a beautiful island though the soil is very sandy. After dining at the Tavern
we went to Church, where we saw Mr. Harrison, Miss S. Sears. Mr. and Mrs. Smith and
Mr. and Mrs. Bordieu. After Church we went to a Mr. Ogden's, where, Miss Jarvis lives:
she is very fair but Miss Ogden is a beauty. I went with Messrs. Jarvis to see the
Mother1 and Sisters of Coll. Smith who is now in London, Secretary to the Legation. There
are five or six young Ladies in the family, one only of which is handsome. Her name
is Sally.2 Mrs. Smith has had Letters from her Son dated as late as the 30th. of May.

We return'd from thence to Mr. Ogden's, and remain'd there about half an hour. Mr.
C. Jarvis and I then return'd in the shay to the ferry. His brother remain'd all night
at Jamaica. It was past nine in the evening when we got to the ferry, and it was then
so late, that none of the ferrymen would carry us over. We lodg'd at a tavern in Brooklyn.

Monday August 1st. 1785.

Return'd to the City at 7 in the morning. Breakfasted with Mr. Jarvis in William Street.
Mr. Harrison did not return before noon. Dined with Mr. Constable, but found him at
dinner when I went there. Drank tea there too, in Company with a number of ugly Ladies.
I went in the evening to see Mr. Gerry but found him not at home. Walk'd on the batteries
about an hour, and then return'd to the President's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-02

2d.

Remain'd at home all the morning, writing Letters1 for Europe, as the british Packet is to sail the day after tomorrow. Dined with Doctor
Crosby, and spent the evening with Mr. Searle. Return'd at about 9 o'clock.

3d.

Was all the morning writing for the Packet.1 Dined with the Delegates from Virginia. Coll. Monroe, was a little indisposed: he
and Mr. Hardy, intend in a short time to take a tour to Boston. In the afternoon I
carried my Letters to Mr. Church, who sails in the packet tomorrow morning. I then
went and visited Mr. Gerry and Mr. King. There, was a number of persons at Mrs. Mercer's.
Two Miss Bostwick's and Miss Alsop.2 Miss Mercer shew me, some lines intended as a Satire upon the young Ladies in the
City, but the receipt for a wife,3 has neither wit, pleasantry, nor truth, in short it is not worth speaking of. Yet
it has turn'd me poetaster. I am trying to see if I can say something not so bad in
the same way. And although I see I have no talent at-all at versifying, yet like all
fathers, I have a partiality for my own offspring however ugly they may be.

2. Undoubtedly Mary Alsop, daughter of New York merchant and Continental Congress delegate
John Alsop; she married Rufus King the following year (The Life and Correspondence of Rufus King: Comprising His Letters, Private and Official,
His Public Documents, and His Speeches, ed. Charles R. King, 6 vols., 1894–1900, 1:130–131; JQA to AA2, 1–8 Aug., Adams Papers).

4th.

The british Packet sailed at about 10, in the morning. The weather was rainy, so I
did not go out till almost noon. I then went with Mr. Harrison, and was by him introduced
to Mrs. Swift and Miss Riché, from Philadelphia. Dined at Mr. Osgood in a pretty large
Company. Young Mr. van Berkel said his Sister had arrived, somewhat sooner than he
expected she would. The minister is gone to Philadelphia, to meet her, and she is
expected here to-morrow or the next day. I made a very foolish mistake at dinner.
At about 6 ½ in the evening, I went to drink tea with Mrs. Sears. There was a numerous
Company. Miss Riché sung and Miss Eccles play'd on the harpsicord: the first sings
with much grace, though she has not a clear nor a strong voice; and what I admire
her for, is that she sings without requiring to be { 298 } urged as some Ladies do: for I prefer hearing a person sing ill if it is requested,
than to hear a good song extorted from any one. “One fond kiss before we part” is
a favourite song with Miss R. and she sung one of her own Composition, the words of
which appeared very pretty. Miss Eccles, plays the best on the harpsichord, of any
Lady in Town: I don't know of ever having heard any person who consider'd music only
as a diversion, perform better. She has certainly acquired great perfection in the
art.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-05

5th.

I went and spent some time with Mr. Fontfreyde, in the forenoon. Dined with a large
Company at the President's. It was his musical day, for once a week, he has Company,
some of whom sing after dinner. Mr. Young, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Sayre,1 Mr. Read2 and General Howe, all sung. The first is the best singer, but I was wishing to be
gone, for a long time after dinner. It was however between 7 and 8 o'clock before
we could get away. We then went, and drank tea, with Miss Eccles, who again play'd
admirably well upon the harpsichord. Miss Riché sung again the two songs, she favoured
us with last evening: she sung so prettily that when I return'd home, instead of continuing
my Satirical lines,3 I immediately began upon the most insipid stile of panegyric: but a few days will
cure me.

1. Possibly Stephen Sayre, a New York merchant and banker, who was a diplomatic agent in Europe during the
Revolution (DAB).

2. Possibly Jacob Read, a delegate to the congress from South Carolina, 1783–1786 (Biog. Dir. Cong.).

6th.

Visited young Mr. Chaumont in the morning, who arrived a few days since from Philadelphia.
I went with him to introduce him to the delegates from Massachusetts but they were
gone upon Long Island, and are not expected back untill Monday. Dined at the president's
in Company with Coll. Cropper from Virginia. In the afternoon Mr. Harrison went to
accompany the Ladies, an employment of which he and they are very fond. I went and
spent part of the evening with the officers of the packet; went on board and supped
with them; after supper Mr. Le Bel and Mr. Le Breton came as far as shore with us.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-07

7th.

Went in the morning to Church: Mr. Harrison who is always with the Ladies squired
them there

“E'en Churches are no Sanctuaries now.”

A gentleman preach'd from a text in the Psalms. He spoke well, but was so slow that
the first part of a phrase was lost before he finish'd the last. After Church I paid
a visit with Mr. D. Le Roi1 and Captain Kortright, to Miss van Berkel, who arrived two days agone; she was not
within, and to Miss Alsop, who is a little too much the Coquet, and injures her appearance
by affectation. Dined with Mr. Le Roi. At 7. in the evening I went and drank tea with
Miss Marshall: there was a considerable party there, and I was introduced to Miss
van Berkel whom I had formerly seen in Holland. She cannot be called handsome but
has that affability which is to me much more agreeable in a Lady than Beauty alone.
She complains much of her misfortune in not speaking the Language, and is fearful
that she appears awkward and ill bred, because she does not speak: and really, no
person can, have an idea, how disagreeable it is to be in a Country, and not speak
the Language; without having been himself in that predicament. Here it is worse than
anywhere else, because there are fewer persons who speak any foreign Language: and
the few Ladies, that can speak a little french, are so bashful, that there is no persuading
them to talk. Miss Susan Livingston pleases me much better now than she did the first
times I was in Company with her. We walk'd in the evening half an hour on the mall,
in Broad way, after which I waited upon Miss van Berkel home.

8th.

I went out with Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Swift, and Miss Riché, to Content to see Lady Wheate,1 who is one of the most reputed beauties in the Town. I own I do not admire her so
much as I expected to, before I saw her. She is like too many, of the handsome Ladies
here, very affected. The most pleasing Characters here, are of those who are pretty
without enjoying any share of beauty. When shall I see a beauty without any conceit?
Dined at { 300 } the Presidents with a large Company among others Genl. Greene, Governor Clinton, Mr.
Osgood and Mr. W. Livingston.2 In the evening I went and drank tea, at Miss S. Livingston's, where there was a large
Company of Ladies. Miss Riché, sung again and repeated the former songs. Notwithstanding
the admiration my friend Harrison has for her, I think upon closer examination, that
she is not free from that affectation which some Ladies here seem to take for grace.

I endeavoured to excuse myself to Miss Livingston for not having waited on her before,
but she said I should do better if I made no apology at all. Madam de Marbois too
appeared very cold, and I fear I have offended many persons by not waiting on them,
which I have not been able to do. Miss van Berkel was sociable.

1. The eighteen-year-old widow of Sir Jacob Wheate, a sixty- or seventy-year-old British
officer who left for the West Indies shortly after his marriage and there died. “Content”
was the name of their country seat, located about three miles out of town (JQA to AA2, 1–8 Aug., Adams Papers).

2. Walter Livingston, a New York delegate to the congress in 1784 and 1785, who was appointed commissioner
of the United States Treasury in 1785 (Biog. Dir. Cong.).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-09

9th.

Dr. Witherspoon1 visited the President in the morning. I went with Mr. Söderström out of town about
a mile, to Mr. Bayard's, who has two fine Daughters, the eldest, to whom I was introduced
last evening by Miss Livingston, was gone to Town; the other was there. I see with
much pain that the connections of almost all the finest girls in and about N. York,
were of the british party during the late war. It has been said that women have no
Country at all; I hope, for the friendship I bear to them that this odious reproach
is not true; I am sure it is not universally so. But their Sentiments must naturally
depend upon those of their Connections: and I therefore think the Ladies here are
excusable, for having sided with the British: their fathers, husbands, and brothers
are not so.

Dined at the Presidents with Mr. Harrison, Mr. Heuston2 and Mr. de Chaumont. The President himself dined out. After dinner I took a ride
with Mr. Chaumont about 3 miles out of town. Drank tea with Mrs. Smith, with a considerable
Company. I there saw the two Miss Thomson's3 who appear to me to have more celebrity than Beauty. Congress this day adjourned
till { 301 } next monday:4 as there are only 8 States on the floor; which is not sufficient to do business.

1. John Witherspoon, Presbyterian minister, president of the College of New Jersey from 1768, and delegate
to the congress from that state, 1776–1782 (DAB).

10th.

In the forenoon I went, and sat about an hour with Mr. King. Mr. Gerry was sitting
at the grand Committee of Congress in the City Hall. I left 50 french louis d'ors,
which Mr. Gerry wishes to have for bank Bills on Boston. Dined at the Presidents in
a large Company, Mr. van Berkel, Mr. Jay, Mr. Paine,1 Dr. Gordon,2 Dr. Witherspoon, &c. After Dinner young Mr. van Berkel, and Major L'Enfant, went
out to drink tea with the Miss Bayard's. Mr. Harrison went and introduced me to the
two Miss Kortright's, who I find, are the Sisters of Mrs. Heiliger, whom I was well
acquainted with in Copenhagen, and to whose Husband I was under many obligations,
while I was there. These young Ladies are very agreeable, and the youngest (Eliza)3 is beautiful. I afterwards left Mr. Harrison, and pass'd the evening in Company with
the officers of the Packet and Mr. Fontfreyde, who intends to leave town to-morrow
at noon, for Albany where he is settled.

1. Thomas Paine, who was living in Bordentown, N.J., and New York until his return to Europe in 1787
(DAB).

2. William Gordon, historian of the Revolution, who had left England in 1770 out of sympathy for the
American cause and returned there in 1786 (DAB).

3. Elizabeth Kortright, daughter of New York merchant Lawrence Kortright, married James Monroe in Feb. 1786
(Edward T. James and others, eds., Notable American Women, 1607–1950: A Biographical Dictionary, 3 vols., Cambridge, 1971).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-11

11th.

Breakfasted on board the Packet, which is to sail for L'orient next monday; from thence
I went a shore on Long Island, and paid a visit to Madam de Marbois, which I ought
to have done before. People here are much more attached to ceremony and etiquette
than I expected to find them. I found Mr. Chaumont there and we read part of Phedre1 together. Mm. de Marbois speaks french very prettily: I return'd from the island
with her husband. They were to dine at Genl. Knox's. Dined at Mr. Gerry's, { 302 } { 303 } and at five o'clock went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Genl. Knox; who was vastly
polite: told me he would have sent me a Card had he not supposed I was gone to Boston,
and said I should have come without ceremony, and dined. There was a great deal of
company there. Baron Steuben,2 a number of the delegates, and the president of Congress, the Dutch, Spanish, and
French Ministers &c. Miss S. Livingston, is a wild girl. Mr. Chaumont went with Mr.
de Marbois, and I return'd to town in his chaise; after which I went and spent the
evening with several of our officers.

2. Baron von Steuben became a prominent and popular social figure in New York in the years after the Revolution
(DAB).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-12

12th.

This morning Mr. Chaumont came, and proposed to me, to buy an horse, so that we might
go to Boston together.1 I have a great inclination, and have been advised by many friends to go from hence
by land to Boston, in order to form some opinion of the Country, and make some acquaintances
which may be of use to me hereafter. If I go by the stage, I shall see very little
of the Country, as they go over it so fast and the carriages are very close: I am
told too that they are <very> dangerous as the drivers ride very carelessly, and frequently overset: I suppose
however that more is said of this than is really the fact: upon the whole I agreed
to look out and see if I could find a proper horse, and if I could upon good terms,
to buy one. I went to see a number but found only one that pleased me, and him I thought
too fine and too costly a one for me. He belongs to the Dutch minister who demands
50£ for him. Upon the whole I believe I had best go by the Stage next monday. Paid
a visit to Mr. Jay but he was not at home. Dined at the President's, with about a
dozen persons: Mr. Harrison is very unwell. In the afternoon I saw Mr. Chaumont, who
went over to Mr. de Marbois to pass the night there. I sent to Mr. van Berkel and
offered him 40£ for the horse, but he would not accept it. Spent part of the evening
at Dr. Crosby's. I was told that Dr. Gordon had called to know if I would go in the
Packet on monday, to Providence.

13th.

This morning the President intended to take a sail down to Sandy-Hook, for the recovery
of his Health, but found himself so unwell, that he could not go; the Virginia Delegates
went, and Mr. Harrison went down also with his uncle, who came from England in the
last British Packet, but finding his Estate here confiscated, sails for England this
day. I went early in the morning to Mr. de Chaumont's lodgings; but he was not return'd
from Long Island. Breakfasted with Mr. King, and return'd to the New York Hotel, where
Mr. Chaumont return'd at about 10 o'clock. I then agreed to send and offer 45£ for
Mr. van Berkel's horse, and if he would not take that, Mr. C agreed to go in the Packet
to Providence with me. The minister accepted, and I immediately prepared every thing
for our departure. I sent my large trunk on board the packet, and took a small one,
with Cloaths and linen sufficient for the Journey. I was much surprised to meet Mr.
Huron at the N. York Hôtel. He has just return'd from Philadelphia, and is going again
to France in the Packet. I dined with them there, having previously taken my leave
of the President, and thank'd him for all his civility and kindness to me, during
my stay at New York; at about 4 o'clock we set out, Mr. Chaumont's two horses being
tackled in his Chaise, one before the other, and his servant rode my horse: but whether
through the stupidity of the rider, who is not used to riding, or any fault in the
horse, I don't know, we had not rode two miles before the horse fell and threw the
man; I was then fully sensible how imprudent I had been, in buying the horse, and
determined to return to N. York, and desire Mr. van Berkel to take back his horse;
which I suppose he will do, since the horse proves to be a bad one, though he sold
him as a good one, and said himself he was no horse jockey. I sent as soon as I got
back, but there was only his son at home, who said his father would not wish any person
should lose by a bargain with him but added he himself was much surprised to hear
that the horse had fallen, as they had never seen any fault in him though his father
had own'd him two years. To'morrow I shall see what the father says. Mr. de Chaumont
continued his journey, but will wait for me part of the day to'morrow.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-14

14th.

After several attempts to see Mr. van Berkel, he was at length found at home, and
declined taking back the horse, though he de• { 305 } clared he had never discovered any fault in him. The son said he was sorry his father
persisted in refusing. At about 4 afternoon I again mounted the horse, and rode him
ten miles as far as Mr. Hall's tavern, which is a very elegant one; and where I found
Mr. de Chaumont: who has been waiting for me all day. He had concluded to change his
plan, in case I did not return, and go directly to Albany, where his father owns an
Estate; but he has now agreed to go on with me to Boston. My horse stumbles considerably,
but I hope will not fall again nor throw his rider.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-15

15th.

Rose at about 6 o'clock in the morning; and tried my horse in the Chaise before one
of Mr. Chaumont's: but we could not make him go at all, so we were obliged to go on
as we first set out. Before we got to Kingsbridge, which was 6 miles from Mr. Hall's,
we took a wrong road and proceeded more than two miles out of our way: this delay'd
us so much that we did not get to East Chester, which is 21 miles from N. York till
after 10 o'clock. We were obliged to stay there, till 3 o'clock it was so intensely
hot: and we were then obliged to go so slow that we got no further than Rye, before
dark: we were so unlucky as to mistake the roads twice. We put up for the night at
Rye, which is near the boundaries of the State of N. York, and 32 miles from the City.
This has been I think the hottest day I have felt since I arrived.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-16

16th.

We were going this morning by 5 o'clock, and proceeded as far as Stamford, 12 miles
from Rye; 5 miles from which there is a small river,1 which seperates the States of N. York and Connecticut, at a place called Horseneck.
The roads from Rye, are some of the worst I ever saw. The crops of hay and of grain
are all very fine this year, except those of indian corn, which have not had hot weather
enough. The State of N. York produces Wheat, rye, barley and all sorts of grain as
all the Northern States do. Connecticut produces in addition large quantities of flax.
We got to Stamford at about 9 o'clock, and found the heat so powerful, that { 306 } we could not proceed any further before dinner. I had a letter from Coll. Humphreys,
to Major Davenport2 in Stamford, but he was gone to the Court which is now sitting at Fairfield. At 3
o'clock we again set off, and went till about 8 when we arrived at Norwalk 12 miles
from Stamford. Mr. B. Jarvis gave me a letter for his brother in law, Mr. Bowden,3 the minister at Norwalk; but it was so late; when we got there that I did not carry
it. Mr. Chaumont and I went and bath'd in the river, and found ourselves greatly refresh'd
by it.

2. John Davenport, known as a major from his service in the commissary department of the Continental
Army, was a lawyer and representative from Stamford in the Connecticut legislature,
1776–1796 (Dexter, Yale Graduates, 3:376–378).

3. John Bowden, Episcopal minister and later a professor at Columbia (Joshua L. Chamberlain, Universities and Their Sons: History, Influence and Characteristics of American Universities
with Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Alumni and Recipients of Honorary Degrees . . ., 5 vols., Boston, 1898–1900, 2:103–104).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-17

17th.

At 5 o'clock we were going, and reach'd Fairfield by 9. I there delivered my letters
to Mr. Burr1 and Major Davenport: We were obliged to stay there to dinner; through the extreme
heat of the weather. At four in the afternoon, we again set out, and rode 10 miles
to Stratford. We waited there about half an hour, and set out again. 3 miles from
Stratford we cross'd Connecticut River,2 and rode about 11. miles after; besides more than 2 miles in a wrong road, we were
obliged to proceed so slowly, in the dark that it was near 12 o'clock when we arrived
at New-Haven; and when we got there nobody, in the place was up, so that it was with
great difficulty that we got to an indifferent inn. Mr. de Chaumont's horses, are
both badly gall'd. We could get but one apartment for both of us, and found some difficulty
even to get one.

1. Presumably Thaddeus Burr, owner of several large inherited estates in the Fairfield area, former representative
in the Connecticut legislature, and holder of local offices (Charles Burr Todd, A General History of the Burr Family in America. With a Genealogical Record from 1570
to 1878, N.Y., 1878, p. 76–79).

18th.

In the morning I went to pay a visit to Mr. Platt,1 and found my old friend Brush there. He introduced me to Mr. Broome, for { 307 } whom I had Letters from his son in law Mr. Jarvis. He immediately went up with me
to our lodgings and I introduced Mr. de Chaumont to him. He insisted upon our going,
both of us and staying at his house while we remain here. I was in great hopes of
seeing Mrs. Jarvis,2 but she was at Huntington, and is not expected home under a month. Miss Betsey Broome
is here, but is not at all sociable. In this she does not resemble her father, who
is a sincere, open-hearted good man. He lives in a most agreeable Situation: his house
is upon an eminence just opposite the harbour, so that the tides come up, within ten
rods of it. Mr. Platt lives near him in the same position. Broome, Platt, and Brush
have been partners in trade, but have now dissolv'd their connection. We dined at
Mr. Broome's. After dinner we were going to see a cave, a few miles out of town, famous
for having been the shelter of two of the regicides,3 in the time of Charles the 2d. but a violent thunder shower arose, and prevented
us. It did not last more than half an hour; but for that time the wind blew like an
hurricane, the rain shower'd down, and there were several of as heavy peals of thunder
as I ever remember to have heard: we saw the lightning fall, into the water, about
20 rods from us. After it was over we went and drank tea with Mrs. Platt. Mr. Chaumont
lodg'd at Mr. Broomes, and I at Mr. Platt's house.

1. Jeremiah Platt, a New York merchant, was the business partner and brother-in-law of Samuel Broome,
mentioned below, who had moved to New Haven in 1775 (Frederic Gregory Mather, The Refugees of 1776 from Long Island to Connecticut, Albany, 1913, p. 664, 680; Donald Lines Jacobus, Families of Ancient New Haven, 8 vols, in 3, Baltimore, 1974, 2:344–345).

2. Amelia Broome Jarvis, daughter of Samuel Broome and wife of James Jarvis of New York (Jacobus, Families of Ancient New Haven, 2:344–345).

3. William Goffe and his father-in-law, Edward Whalley, had been military leaders in the English Civil War and had signed the death warrant
of Charles I. With the return of the monarchy a decade later, both men refused to
surrender and were exempted from pardon. They fled England for Boston, and in 1661
went to New Haven, where they camped out in a cave that summer. The pair settled in
Hadley, Mass., three years later (Isabel MacBeath Calder, The New Haven Colony, New Haven, 1934, p. 221–226).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-19

19th.

This morning I went with Mr. Brush, and delivered the Letters I had for this place.
Mr. Chancey1 for whom Coll. Humphreys gave me a Letter went with me, to Dr. Stiles2 the President of the College; who is a curious character. Mr. Jefferson once told,
me, he thought him an uncommon instance of the { 308 } deepest learning without a spark of genius. He was very polite to me, and shew me,
the Library, and the apparatus of the College: he has a few natural curiosities; but
nothing very extraordinary. We dined at Mr. Platt's, and afterwards went to see Coll.
Wadsworth, who arrived in town this day; and leaves it to-morrow morning for Hartford.
Mr. Chaumont and myself afterwards went to the Ball. There has been for these last
two months a dancing master here and has given a ball once a fort'night. He had not
a very large number of scholars, and there were more ladies than gentlemen. The master
of the school does not appear to be a good dancer himself; and do not think his pupils
in general have made any great progress for the time they have been learning: there
were a few very genteel young Ladies; a great many appear to have been favoured by
nature, but not by the graces. At about 11. o'clock, Mr. Chaumont and myself retired,
as we intend to leave this place early in the morning.

1. Undoubtedly Charles Chauncy, New Haven lawyer, town officer, and representative in the legislature, who later
served on the superior court (The Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles, D.D., LL.D. President of Yale College, ed. Franklin Bowditch Dexter, 3 vols., N.Y., 1901, 2:407; 3:107, 111, 351, 354).

2. Ezra Stiles, president of Yale, 1778–1795 (Edmund S. Morgan, The Gentle Puritan: A Life of Ezra Stiles, 1727–1795, New Haven, 1962). JQA presented to Stiles letters of introduction from JA and David Humphreys at this time (LbC, Adams Papers; Literary Diary of Ezra Stiles . . ., ed. Dexter, 3:177).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-20

20th.

We tried my horse this morning in Mr. Chaumont Chaise, but could not make him go at
all: so we put him before one of his horses and Dupré, his servant mounted him, in
that manner he went very well. Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, who are so kind as to keep
us Company as far as Hartford rode in a Chaise of their own. We went only sixteen
miles before dinner. The weather is still very warm notwithstanding, the late thunder
shower. After dinner we rode 12 miles further to Middletown. Dr. Johnson1 whom I met at Fairfield, gave me a letter for Genl. Parsons,2 one of the aldermen of this City. About 18 months agone five towns in this State,
New-Haven, Hartford, New-London, Norwich and Middletown, form'd themselves into Corporations,
and are now called Cities. Genl. Parsons told me, he was three years in College with
my father, and was then very intimate with him. It gave me peculiar pleasure to meet
with so old a friend of my fa• { 309 } ther, and that circumstance greatly increased my reverence for the person.

We walk'd about the City which is one of the smallest of the five. But is very pleasantly
situated on Connecticut River. The views from some parts of it are enchanting; and
the river is a very beautiful one. In the evening Mr. Chaumont, Mr. Brush, and myself,
went and bath'd in it. The general spent some time with us.

1. William Samuel Johnson was a Connecticut lawyer, pre-Revolutionary political leader, but loyalist after
independence was declared. He served later as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention
and as president of Columbia College, 1787–1800 (DAB).

2. Samuel Holden Parsons, brigadier, and later, major general in the Continental Army (Heitman, Register Continental Army, p. 9–10). Parsons was a correspondent of JA's in the early stages of the war.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-21

21st.

At six in the morning, we all left Middleton: and rode on to Hartford, where we arrived
at about 9. The distance is 14 miles. For several miles on this side of Middleton,
we rode along by the side of the river: and after we left it, we had from the top
of an hill a most elegant prospect. Indeed there are a number in this Country, which
looks as prosperous, and as fertile, as any I remember ever to have been through.
We had some thoughts of stopping at Weathersfield, which is 3 miles from Hartford;
and going to meeting there: this State is very famous for psalm singing, and Weathersfield
is peculiarly distinguish'd: but we thought best upon the whole to go forward directly
to Hartford. I was much fatigued when I arrived, and took a nap; after which I went
and visited Coll. Wadsworth, who arrived in town last evening. We dined at our tavern,
and after dinner, went to the meeting. Mr. Chaumont was struck with, the singing:
he is a connoisseur in music, and was surprised to find so much harmony here. After
Meeting I went and delivered a letter from my father to Mr. Trumbull,1 the author of McFingal, who formerly studied law with him. I sat about 2 hours with
him, and had some conversation with him, mostly upon the french poets, in which he
is well versed. He is not very partial to Voltaire, and in that I agree perfectly
in opinion with him. We afterwards went and Drank tea with Coll. Wadsworth, who lives
in a very elegant manner: { 310 } he made a very large fortune, by being agent for the french army, with Mr. Carter, or rather Church:2 he has two fine daughters. Harriot, is not handsome, but very genteel. Betsey is
only 11. years old, but promises to be a Beauty. After tea, we went and took a walk
round the town, and on the banks of the river which is about 15 feet deep here but
there is a bar at some distance from this place, which prevents large vessels from
coming up to the town except in the spring when the river overflows. This is considered
as the capital of the State, though New-Haven, has some pretensions to that title,
and in a commercial view is better situated. We spent the Evening at Coll. Wadsworth's.

1. Dated 28 April (LbC, Adams Papers). John Trumbull, the Connecticut poet and lawyer, had studied with JA in 1773–1774. He published the first part of his widely popular poem McFingal in 1775. Consisting of four cantos in Hudibrastic verse, it described the blunders
of British leaders during the Revolution (Victor E. Gimmestad, John Trumbull, N.Y., 1974).

2. John Barker Church, an Englishman who came to America under the assumed name of John Carter, was Wadworth's
business partner during the war (P. H. Woodward, One Hundred Years of the Hartford Bank, Now the Hartford National Bank of Hartford, Conn., Hartford, 1892, p. 32–33).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-22

22d.

At about 9 this morning, Mr. Broome, and Mr. Brush, left us and set out to return
to New-Haven. Breakfasted with Coll. Wadsworth, who afterwards went with us three
or four miles out of town, to shew us his farm. We saw there a couple of the largest
oxen I ever beheld; and a number more uncommonly stout. This place is celebrated over
the Continent for producing exceeding fine oxen, and it furnishes the New York and
Boston markets with great quantities of Beef. The Coll. shew us his fields of grain
and of grass, and his orchards. We return'd a little before noon: and left the Coll.
for a short time. I went into a bookseller's shop, and there found a new publication,
called the Conquest of Canaan, an american epic Poem, in eleven books, by Mr. T. Dwight.
It is but lately that it was printed, and I have heard a very high Character of it,
which induced me, to purchase it.1 Mr. Wadsworth was so kind as to give me a copy of McFingal,2 and these are the two pieces in which americans have endeavour'd most to soar as
high, as European bards. McFingal is generally agreed to be equal, if not superior
to Hudibras. Of the serious poem, no criticism has appeared; owing I suppose, to its
being so lately publish'd.

I met just before dinner with my old fellow scholar, Deane, who came from Weathersfield
this morning. I was told he was in New London: had I known he was at Weathersfield,
I should have stop'd there, on purpose to see him. For there is nothing I think more
shameful, than to forget our old acquaintance. We all dined with Coll. Wadsworth,
and at about 4 Mr. Chaumont, and myself, left them, and set away from the inn, about
half an hour, afterwards. We rode only 16 miles this afternoon, to Captain Cox's tavern
and it was after 9 in the evening when we got there. We could travel, but slowly,
as the weather though cloudy, was very warm, and the horses were somewhat galled.

1. JQA's copy, Hartford, 1785, is at MQA. Timothy Dwight was minister at Greenfield Hill, Conn., at this time and was president of Yale from
1795 to 1817. The Conquest of Canäan, Dwight's first important literary production, is filled with allusions to contemporary
persons and events (Dexter, Yale Graduates, 3:321–333).

23d.

It was almost seven o'clock before we got under way this morning. We rode about 10
miles and then cross'd Connecticut River; which serves there as a boundary between
that State and Massachusetts.1 Two miles after we had cross'd the river we came to Springfield. We breakfasted there,
and stopp'd about an hour; after which we proceeded on our Journey about 14 miles
further before dinner. The mistress of the tavern where we dined, told me my name,
and said she knew me from my resemblance to my father who had passed several times
this way.2 At 4 o'clock we again set out, and found the roads so very bad, that it was almost
ten before we got to <East Chester> Marlborough3 which was only 12 miles. Hills and rocks seem to have been the only things we have
this day come across. I cannot recommend the roads of Massachusetts as a model.

3. Neither location is correct; they probably stayed in either Western [now Warren] or
Brookfield, Mass., that night.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0024

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-24

24th.

One of the breast plates was broke, and we were obliged to send it a mile and half
to be mended this morning, before we { 312 } could proceed on our journey; so it was past eight when we left our tavern. Before
one, we came to a very good inn: the best I think, that we have found on the road
except Mr. Hall's. We had come 16 miles without stopping, and therefore we concluded
to dine there. Between 3 and 4 we went again, and rode about 15 miles to1 where we arrived at about 8, in the Evening; our roads have been much better and
the weather more agreeable than what we have had in general since we left N. York.
We are now only 42 miles from Boston, and hope to get there to-morrow; as we are told
the roads are upon the whole pretty good.

Thursday. August 25th. 1785.

St. Louis's day, a great holiday all over France, because it is the fête of their
king's patron. Dupré called me up at three o'clock, being determined that we should
not set out too late to day. Before 4. we were in the carriage, and rode 14 miles
to Marlborough before 9. We breakfasted there; and dined at Waltham, which is 12 miles
further. It was almost 5 when we finally set off upon our last Stage; and we got into
Boston at about 9 o'clock; we first went to Bracket's tavern, but there was not a
vacant apartment in the house. We then went to Mrs. Kilby's in State Street, where
we found one chamber for us both. We were obliged to take up with this for the present:
for we were extremely fatigued, both of us: and could not think of seeking any further
at 10 o'clock at night.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0026

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-26

26th.

No person who has not experienced it can conceive how much pleasure there is in returning
to our Country after an absence of 6 years especially when it was left at the time
of life, that I did, when I went last to Europe. The most trifling objects now appear
interesting to me: in the morning I went to see my uncle Smith, but he was not at
home. I saw my aunt2 and Mr. Smith,3 who went with me to the Treasury office, where I found my uncle Cranch.4 I was introduced to a number of gentlemen, and met several of my old acquaintances.
I delivered a Letter to Mr. { 313 } Breck5 from the Marquis. Dined at Mr. Cranch's lodgings, where I found my Cousins Betsey6 and Lucy. In the afternoon they went to Cambridge, and I followed them there with
Mr. Smith. At College I met my Cousin, and brother Charles, who entered about 6 weeks
agone. We spent an hour with them, and were then obliged to return to Boston. I lodged
at Deacon Smith's.

I shall not attempt to describe the different Sensations I experienced in meeting
after so long an absence, the friends of my childhood, and a number of my nearest
and dearest relations. This day will be forever too deeply rooted in my Memory, to
require any written account of it. It has been one of the happiest I ever knew.

3. William Smith (1755–1816), a Boston merchant and son of Isaac Smith Sr.

4. Richard Cranch (1726–1811) married Mary Smith, the sister of AA, in 1762. Cranch was at this time employed in the commonwealth's treasury office
in Boston.

5. Samuel Breck Sr., a prominent Boston merchant, maritime agent of Louis XVI, and representative of
the town in the legislature, 1782–1788 (NEHGR, 17:180 [April 1863]).

6. Elizabeth Cranch (1763–1811), called Betsy by her family, was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Smith) Cranch,
and married Jacob Norton, minister at Weymouth, in 1789.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0027

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-27

27th.

Brother Charles came to town this morning. I paid a number of visits and dined, at
Deacon Smith's, with Mr. Otis1 and his family. At about 4 o'clock I mounted on horseback: and Mr. Chaumont in his
Chaise with Mr. Toscan the french Consul; we went out and stopp'd first at Mr. Swan's2 house in Dorchester, where the former governor Mr. Hancock3 lives, at present. He is much afflicted with the gout, and has it at this time. After
spending about half an hour with him We went to Mr. Hichborne's4 Summer seat and drank tea. We found there the lieutenant governor5 with his Lady, and Mr. and Mrs. Swan. I left the Consul and Mr. Chaumont, and went
as far as Genl. Warren's6 at Milton. He introduced me to his four sons, one of whom, Charles, is to sail in
a few days for Europe: he means to spend the Winter at Lisbon, where his brother Winslow
is: But I fear very much he will never reach Europe, I don't know that I ever saw
a person look more wretchedly. He has been consumptive for a long time, and went last
fall to the West Indies, where he recover'd his health in some measure, but lost it
again by return• { 314 } ing here in the spring. If he lives to reach Lisbon, I hope the Climate of Europe,
which is so much better than that of St. Domingo, will restore him entirely.7 I left Milton between 7 and 8 and before I got to Mr. Cranch's, I again stopp'd at
my uncle Adams's,8 and there saw my aged Grandmother,9 who enquired much after my Parents, and wishes them to return. I at length arrived
at the end of my journey, at about 9 o'clock, and was welcomed by my aunt;10 I also found Mr. Tyler11 there and was introduced to him.

6. James Warren, who served briefly as paymaster general in the Continental Army and major general
in the militia, was on the Navy Board, 1777–1782, and was in and out of Massachusetts
politics throughout his life (same, 11:584–606).

7. Charles died in Spain in November. Winslow, for whom JA was to seek an appointment as consul in Portugal, was a merchant in Lisbon at this
time; he returned permanently to America later in the year (Mrs. Washington A. Roebling,
Richard Warren of the Mayflower and Some of His Descendants, Boston, 1901, p. 28; Winslow Warren to JQA, 13 July 1784; JA to John Jay, 3 Dec. 1785, LbC, Adams Papers).

11. Royall Tyler, a Braintree lawyer and later an important early playwright and novelist. Tyler had
been courting AA2 before her departure for Europe with AA in 1784. Subsequently the romance cooled, owing to Tyler's failure to answer her
letters and to stories about his behavior sent to the Adamses by Mary Cranch, in whose
house Tyler lived. For a full account, see JA, Earliest Diary, p. 18–30.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0028

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-28

28th.

Attended Mr. Wibird's1 meeting forenoon, and afternoon. His voice and look was as familiar to me, as if
I had not been absent. Among the People that were grown up before I went away, there
were few or no new faces in the house: but there were but few young People, that I
could recollect, 6 years have very little effect upon the appearance of men, and women,
but a surprising one, upon that of Children. But of all the persons I have seen none
have so compleatly altered as my Cousin W. Cranch. I { 315 } never can realize the idea, of his being the same little boy I left in 1779, and I
am told that I myself have alter'd nearly as much. When the afternoon service was
over I went with Mr. Tyler down to my father's house,2 and no object ever brought to my mind such a variety of different Sensations. It
reminded me of the days of my Childhood, most of which were past in it, but it look'd
so lonely, and melancholy without its inhabitants, as drew a deep sigh from my breast.
I paid a visit to the Library, and found it in pretty good order.

2. This house on Franklin Street in Quincy is known today as the John Quincy Adams Birthplace
and was JA's and AA's home from the time of their marriage in 1764. JA had given Tyler access to his law library in the house during his absence (JA, Earliest Diary, p. 25–26). For an illustration of the house and the John Adams Birthplace next to it, see
JA, Diary and Autobiography, 1:facing 256; a description of the two houses is in HA2, “The Birthplaces of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts,”
Old-Time New England, 26:79–99 (Jan. 1936). The two houses are now part of the Adams National Historic
Site administered by the National Park Service.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0029

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-29

29th.

At about 9 o'clock I set off for Boston, and stopp'd half an hour, at my uncle Adams's.
Saw my Grandmother. I had agreed with Mr. Tyler, to wait for him at Genl. Warren's,
half an hour. I stay'd more than an hour but he did not come. Mrs. Warren surprized
me very much by informing me that Mr. Otis, with whom I dined on Saturday; had failed
that evening. She said it was a very unexpected stroke to the family themselves. I
believe before long every merchant in Boston will fail: for they seem all, to be breaking,
one after the other. Charles Warren is to sail the latter end of this week for Cadiz.
He was worse to day than common. It was noon before I got to Boston. I dined at Mr.
Breck's in Company with the french Consul Mr. Toscan, and Mr. Appleton the brother
of the gentleman I was acquainted with in England and France. It rain'd hard in the
afternoon, so that we were obliged to stay; all the afternoon. At about 8 o'clock
I left them all there, just ready to sit down to Cards. I thought if once I sat down
there would be no getting away till very late. I found Deacon Smith and his family
at Dr. Welch's.1 They all look'd very dull: the old gentleman especially appeared very much affected,
Mr. Otis married his Daughter,2 and his failing, was very unexpected to him.

1. Thomas Welsh (1752–1831), a Boston physician and an army surgeon at the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill.
His wife, Abigail Kent (1750–1825), was a niece of Deacon Isaac Smith and a cousin of AA.

30th.

This day the Supreme Judicial Court met, and I went and heard the chief justice, Mr.
Cushing1 deliver the charge to the grand Jury. He spoke with much dignity, and animadverted
peculiarly upon the neglect, which many of the towns in the Commonwealth, have shown
of late with respect to public schools. After the charge was deliver'd Mr. Thatcher2 was called upon for a prayer, and although he had not a minute's warning spoke very
well, and without the least embarassment. I dined at Deacon Smith's, and after dinner
waited upon Miss Betsey Cranch, to her lodgings. I afterwards mounted my horse, and
went to Cambridge where I shall pass the night with my brother. I was caught in the
rain, on the road and was almost wet through and through. Charles is much pleased
with his situation; and has acquired an additional importance since he enter'd College.3

1. William Cushing, chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1777 and later an
associate justice of the United States Supreme Court for twenty-one years (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 13:26–39).

2. Peter Thacher, well-known for his orations and addresses during the Revolutionary era, was pastor
of the Brattle Street Church from 1785 to 1802. He recorded in his diary this day
that he gave a “prayer unexpectedly in the Supreme Court” (same, 17:237–247; MHi:Thacher Papers).

3. JQA probably is commenting upon CA's good fortune in acquiring a college room and showing promise as a scholar since
entering Harvard earlier in the month. He elaborated to AA2 that “Charles is very much pleased with his situation here: and comes on well with
his Studies. His Class is one of the most numerous of any that have entered” (JQA to AA2, 29 Aug.–7 Sept., Adams Papers). Unlike many of his classmates who were forced to live in town, CA roomed in Hollis Hall, where “cousin Billy” also lived (Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 14 Aug.–[15?] Sept., Adams Papers). JQA seemed pleased with CA's “Chambermate,” Samuel Walker, “a youth, whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable.
. . . I am perswaded it will afford peculiar Satisfaction to our Parents, who well
know how much benifit is derived from the Spur of Emulation” (JQA to AA2, 20–28 Aug., Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0010-0031

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-08-31

31st.

This morning Mr. Chaumont came to the College, with Mr. Toscan, and two other french
gentlemen, Mr. Issotier, and Mr. Serano. We went and saw all the curiosities belonging
to the Col• { 317 } lege, which are not very numerous. There are several exceeding fine pictures done
by Mr. Copley, all portraits. The library is good, without being magnificent. We all
paid a visit to Mr. Willard the president of the College. The other gentlemen left
me with him, and after he had made enquiries concerning my acquisitions: he advised
me to wait till next spring before I offer: and then enter for three months in the
junior Sophister Class.1 I left him and return'd to the gentlemen. We went back to Boston, and got there at
about 11. I paid a number of visits, and dined with Deacon Storer.2 After dinner I went with Mr. Chaumont and visited Mr. Cushing the lieutenant Governor:
but he was not at home. I met Mr. Appleton, and went with him to his father's house.
Return'd in the evening to Mr. Storer's, and supped there. Rec'd a letter from my
Sister, through N. York.3

Thursday September 1st. 1785.

Went and sat with Mr. de Chaumont a couple of hours, and afterwards accompanied him,
and Mr. Toscan &c to Concert hall; to see Mr. Turner's1 scholars dance. Once every fortnight, there is such a forenoon ball, from 1. o'clock
to three. There were a number of minuets and country dances performed pretty well:
and all the beauties of Boston seem'd to be assembled there in one bright constellation.
At about 2 ½, we retired, and waited upon Mr. Cushing the L. Govr. to dinner. There
was not a large Company: perhaps a dozen or 14 persons. After dinner we went to pay
a visit to Mr. Swan but we met him in the Street going for his Lady. We accompanied
him, and sat an hour at Mr. Deneufville's. I do not admire to see this man's wife
go into the best Company in this City: I think the people here, should have a Sense
of their own Dignity; and not suffer their hospitality to overcome their delicacy.2 In Holland no Gentleman or Lady would have kept Company with this woman: and I think
it would be better if it was so here.

2. De Neufville's second wife, Anna Margaretha Langmak, was pregnant and gave birth to
a daughter on 7 Sept. (Nieuw Ned. Biog. Woordenboek, 8:1213–1214).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-02

2d.

Mr. Chaumont intended to set out early in the morning for Philadelphia (or rather
Albany,) but it rain'd so hard that he was obliged to postpone it till the afternoon.
I went to his lodgings at about 9 o'clock, and stay'd till about noon. We then went
to a billiard table, and play'd a game. I dined at Mr. Smith's. After dinner I return'd
to Mr. de Chaumont's lodgings, and found him, making preparations for his departure.
At about 4 o'clock he set out in his Chaise with the Consul: Mr. Issotier Mr. Serane,
and myself accompanied him on horseback. Mr. Toscan, went only to the neck, and then
left us. The rest of us, went about 4 miles further and at 5 o'clock or thereabouts
we took our leave of Mr. Chaumont who proposes going as far as Waltham to night. I
spent the evening at Mr. Foster's1 house, with my uncle Cranch, and Dr. Tufts.2

1. Probably William Foster, a Boston merchant, brother and business partner of Joseph Foster, whom AA and AA2 had met on board the Active on their way to Europe in 1784. Soon after JQA's arrival in Boston, Mary Smith Cranch arranged to board the Adams boys at Mr. Foster's,
“whenever they are not invited else Where” (Frederick Clifton Pierce, Foster Genealogy; Being The Record of the Posterity of Reginald Foster . . ., 2 vols., Chicago, 1899, 2:940–941; JA, Diary and Autobiography, 3:156, 164; Thwing Catalogue, MHi; Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 14 Aug.–[15?] Sept., Adams Papers).

2. Dr. Cotton Tufts Sr. (1732–1815) was AA's uncle by marriage. While JA and AA were in Europe, Tufts had a power of attorney to handle JA's business affairs, including those related to the education of his sons (JA to Cotton Tufts, 6 Sept. 1784, Adams Papers, Fourth Generation).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-03

3d.

Visited the Consul in the morning, and spent an hour with him. At about noon I left
Boston, and went before dinner as far as Milton. When I got there, I found Mrs. Warren
had just left it with her son Charles for Boston where he is now gone to embark; the
vessel is to sail on monday or Tuesday. I dined with the genl., and his three remaining
sons, James, Harry, and George. The genl. bought this seat at Milton about 4 years
ago; it formerly belonged to Governor Hutchinson, and is a very beautiful { 319 } situation.1 Yet the genl. talks of selling it again, and going back to live on his farm at Plimouth:
At about 4 o'clock I set out again, for Braintree; stopp'd at My uncle Adams's and
drank tea; and got to Mr. Cranch's, at about 7 o'clock.

4th.

Attended the meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. I went after meeting and drank tea,
and spent a couple of hours with my uncle Adams. Past 6 o'clock before I got home.
If the weather should be good I shall set out to-morrow with my aunt, to go to Haverhill.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-05

5th.

The weather look'd so much like rain in the morning, that we concluded to defer our
journey to Haverhill, till to-morrow. Mr. Cranch went to Boston in the morning. I
was employ'd, a great part of the day in putting my things in order. I find, that
the largest of all my trunks is missing, and I know not where it is. I wrote to my
uncle Smith, for Information on the subject. In the afternoon I tried my horse, in
my uncle's Chaise, and find he goes as well as if he had been broken to it. I rode
him backwards and forwards 2 or 3 miles and he did not give me the least trouble.
This is a very pleasing circumstance to me; and the more so, because I did not expect
it; for at New Haven, we could not make him go at all. Genl. Palmer1 came and drank tea with Mrs. Cranch. The weather cleared up in the afternoon.

1. Joseph Palmer (1716–1788), Revolutionary soldier and Massachusetts politician, had been involved since 1783
in various business ventures in Germantown and Dorchester. Palmer was the husband
of Mary Cranch, the sister of AA's brother-in-law Richard Cranch.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0006

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-06

6th.

At about 9 o'clock in the morning I again tackled my horse into my uncle's Chaise,
and we put every thing into it, and set out, and arrived at Boston at about 11. I
immediately went to my uncle Smith's store, and enquired after the missing trunk.
I found it was in one corner of the Store. I then went to his House and found there
a Letter from the Marquis de la Fayette:1 I also { 320 } received Letters from My father, mother and Sister dated as late as June 27th.2 Waited on Mr. Breck with a paper upon the subject of refining oil. Dined at Mr. Foster's
and immediately after dinner had the horse again tackled in the Chaise. By 3 ½ o'clock
we were ready, and as the wind was somewhat high my aunt did not incline to cross
the ferry: so we went round, over the neck. We stopp'd at Mr. Gannett's, the steward
of the College. We at first intended to go as far as Lincoln, to night, but have been
perswaded to remain here. My Brother and Cousin drank tea with us, and I spent the
evening with them, at the College.

1. 12 June (Adams Papers). The paper for Samuel Breck referred to later in the entry was enclosed in Lafayette's
letter.

7th.

We breakfasted early and were on our way by 8 o'clock. We stopp'd at Captain Brookes's1 house in Mystic, four miles from Cambridge, [and?] about a quarter of a mile. We then rode 10 miles further; after which we stopp'd
an hour to rest our horse. So far we found the roads very good: but the next 6 miles,
to Mr. French,2 (the minister at Andover)'s house are very sandy and heavy. We dined there: Mr. French
was not at home. At 3 o'clock, we left Andover and at about 5 ½ got to the river which
runs by Haverhill. The roads were not good, being sometimes sandy, and sometimes very
hilly. We cross'd the river in a flat bottom'd boat, and at 6 o'clock arrived at Mr.
Shaw's;3 where I found my brother Tom, who when I left him was not 7 years old, and is now
13. Mr. Thaxter too who sailed in the first french Packet immediately after the Peace
is here, and spent the evening at my uncle's. He is practising the Law and has a good
run of business.

3. John Shaw (1748–1794), brother-in-law of AA, minister at Haverhill from 1777. JQA was to live in his house until the following March. Shaw had been the preceptor of
CA and TBA since 1783. JQA had been advised to study with Shaw until the following spring, though Shaw at this
date had apparently not yet decided to take him as a student because of the great
responsibility in trying “to qualify a young Gentle man to enter the University as
Junior Sophister” (AA to JA, 28 April 1783; Elizabeth Smith Shaw to AA, 7 Sept. 1785, both Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-08

8th.

I went in the morning down to Mr. Thaxter's office, and spent all the forenoon with
him, talking over, old matters. He dined with us, at my uncle's; and spent part of
the afternoon here. I am told he is paying his addresses to a Miss Duncan,1 who is reputed the greatest beauty in Haverhill, but he will not own it.

9th.

Spent the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his office. He went with me, and introduced
me, to Mr. White1 and his family. His Daughter Miss Peggy, is one of the belles of this place. I had
heard much said of her before I went to the house; and when I saw her, I supposed
that must be Mrs. White.2 She is very fat and appears much older than she is: I should certainly suppose her
not under 30, and she is not yet 20. But she is as fair as any person I ever saw:
too much so, I think, to be beautiful: this may be a paradox: but my ideas of beauty
are not like those of many People, and I do not admire a complexion over fair. Dined
at My uncle's, and directly after dinner I went with my uncle, and two aunts, over
the river, to pay a visit to Mr. Symme's, the minister at Andover, about 7 miles from
the ferry. We found the old gentleman laid up; but he received his Company with politeness.
After staying there about 2 hours, we return'd again to Haverhill. The roads are pretty
good, but for want of rain are now disagreeably dusty. We found on our return a large
Company of young ladies, with Miss Hazen.3 This is a neice of General Hazen and has boarded in my uncle's house about a twelve
month. She appears to me to have something peculiar in her Character: I shall therefore
wait, till I have a better acquaintance with her; before I attempt to give any description
of it.

2. Sarah Leonard LeBaron White, the second wife of John Sr., and mother of Peggy and Leonard (same, 6:326).

3. After the death of Anna (Nancy) Hazen's father, Capt. John Hazen, and the remarriage of her mother, she became the ward
of her uncle, Gen. Moses Hazen of Haverhill, Mass., and Troy, N.Y., who was a cousin
of the Whites. Nancy was to become the first girl JQA was really attracted to, but her continued presence was to cause him much discomfort
eventually (Tracy Elliot Hazen, The Hazen Family in America, ed. Donald Lines Jacobus, Thomaston, Conn., 1947, p. 89–90).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0010

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-10

10th.

We all dined this day at Mr. White's. The only other strangers present, were Mr. Smith,1 the minister of the other meeting house in this place, and Mr. B. Bartlett,2 a merchant. Mr. Smith proposes going into the Jersies, and to set out in the beginning
of next week. A Vessel belonging to Mr. White was launch'd in the afternoon, but we
missed seeing it, as it went sooner than was expected.

1. Hezekiah Smith was installed as minister in 1766, just after Haverhill's New Lights had formed a
Baptist society; there he remained throughout his life (James McLachlan, Princetonians, 1748–1768: A Biographical Dictionary, Princeton, 1976, p. 411–413).

11th.

Attended Mr. Shaws meeting; forenoon, and afternoon. Took a walk down by the side
of the river; with Mr. Thaxter. The Situation of the town is very agreeable.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-12

12th.

Spent part of the forenoon with Mr. Thaxter at his Office. At 12 o'clock, we went,
to a Collation, given by Dr. Woodbury who is building an house, and who moreover was
yesterday first published for marriage; it seems that upon both these occasions it
is Customary here, for a man to invite all his male friends, to an entertainment of
this kind, and I as a visitor at Mr. Shaw's was ask'd. After dinner, I went out with
my brother and a gun, but could meet with no game. A solitary Robin, was all we brought,
back. We found Company when we return'd. Mr. Collins, the minister of a neighbouring
town. Miss Hazen thinks he is not sufficiently attentive to his wife, and I am of
her opinion. His looks I think are enough to chill one in a hot day. I should rather
take him for a dutchman, than an American.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-13

13th.

At about 9 this morning we left Haverhill, cross'd the river, and stopp'd first at
Mr. Symmes's, and afterwards at Mr. French's, but a few minutes at each. After we
had rode, about a { 323 } mile beyond Mr. French's house, we turn'd away from the road we came to Haverhill
by, and took the Lincoln road: but I was very much surprised, to see that very few
persons knew, any thing about Lincoln, although it is not more than 22 miles distant
from Andover: I met a man whom I judg'd by his appearance to be turn'd of sixty: when
I enquired of him the road to Lincoln; his answer was, that he knew of no such place:
how many mortals,

entirely ignorant of every thing that lies ten miles beyond it? But in this Country,
where every man has an opportunity of displaying the talents he possesses; and where
the education of the People, is so much more attended to, than in any part of Europe,
or perhaps of the world, I did not expect to find beings of that sort.

We rode through about 8 miles of sand, and 4 of rocks, after which the road was better:
at about 6 o'clock, we arrived at Lincoln, and immediately went to my aunt Smith's.3 She has five children with her, and one at Mr. Shaw's.4 Billy, Louisa, Polly, Isaac, and Charles are here. The eldest is not more than 14
years old: the youngest is about 6. Oh! it almost makes my heart, shrink within me;
when I look on these fine Children; to think of the Prospects before them: entirely
the effects of extravagance in a father: what a Lesson! Surely providence makes sometimes
use of these means, to terrify those who can be actuated by no other principle, into
the performance of their duty.

3. Catharine Louisa Salmon Smith (1749–1824), wife of William Smith Jr., the brother of AA. Smith (1746–1787), as the rest of JQA's entry suggests, had burdened his wife and children with cares through his improvidence
and neglect, though his precise activities have not been fully pieced together. He
had settled his family on his father's property in Lincoln before the Revolution and
was undoubtedly engaged in trade during the years after the war. Smith had been absent
from his family for the past two years and was seldom heard from, and his wife, in
a { 324 } letter to AA of 26 Oct. (Adams Papers), hoped “for his reformation and restoration to virtue and to his family.” According
to other family members, Smith suffered from alcoholism. Besides having deserted his
family, Smith was on trial in New York during these months on a charge of counterfeiting,
of which he was later acquitted. When he died two years later, he was still separated
from his family (Mary Smith Cranch to AA, 10 Dec. 1785; 22 March–9 April 1786, 21 Oct. 1787, Adams Papers; CFA, Diary, 5:143–144).

4. This was Elizabeth (1771–1854), the youngestoldest of the Smiths' six children.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-14

14th.

Dined at Lincoln, and immediately after dinner we again proceeded on our journey and
by 5 o'clock, got to Cambridge, which is 12 miles: we came through Concord, and Lexington which 12 years ago were of no note, but which have been since rendered ever memorable,
by being the place, where the first martyrs in the glorious cause of American Liberty,
bled, (April 19th. 1775). Posterity will revere this spot of Land, more, than the
Dutch do the place where Egmont and Horn, suffered; which is at Brussels.

We drank tea at Cambridge, and at about 6 we set out for Boston. We cross'd the ferry
at about dusk; and got to Mr. Cranch's lodgings, just in good Season. We found Miss
Betsey had been very unwell, but recovering. Mr. I. Smith,1 came in a few minutes after we got there: and I went with him to a Club2 of which he was member. I found there Dr. Welch, Dr. Dexter,3 Dr. Appleton,4 and Mr. Brewster. It was at Mr. Clarkes5 house; this gentleman is collegue to Dr. Chauncy, in the Ministry, and bears a good
Character as a preacher. At about 9. I went home with Mr. Smith. His father and mother
yesterday left the Town, with the Governor,6 Lieutenant Governor, and their Ladies to go to Princeton, to Mr. Gill's7 Seat. He gave me a Letter from my friend Brush, in New Haven.8

1. Isaac Smith Jr. (1749–1829), son of Deacon Isaac Smith and cousin of AA. Smith fled to England as a loyalist in 1775, but returned to America in 1784. Trained
in the ministry, he preached in various places after his return but never received
a call. Later he served as Harvard librarian, 1787–1791, and preceptor of Dummer Academy,
1791–1809 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 16:523–530).

2. This was undoubtedly the Wednesday Evening Club, founded in 1777 by four clergymen,
four doctors, four lawyers, and four “merchants, manufacturers and gentlemen of literature
and leisure.” Neither Brewster nor Isaac Smith Jr. were apparently members, however,
although Smith's brother, William, was (The Centennial Celebration of the Wednesday Evening Club: Instituted June 21, 1777, Boston, 1878, p. 142–145).

15th.

This morning my brother Charles and Cousin Cranch, came from Cambridge to see us.
I at length went, and got my sword and hat, which have been at Mrs. Kilby's, ever
since I arrived here first: Dined with Mr. Smith; I intended to go to Braintree in
the afternoon, but was deterred, by an appearance of bad weather, but as it cleared
up at about 5 o'clock, I rode, over the neck with my Cousin Betsey. When we got to
Roxbury we turn'd back again. Spent some time with my uncle Cranch, and then return'd
to Deacon Smith's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-16

16th.

At about 9 this morning I went to Mr. Foster's, and found my Cousin Betsey Cranch
ready to go with me. We then set out in the Chaise, and at about 11. got to Braintree
where we found only Mr. Tyler, and cousin Lucy. She had a letter from Miss Hazen which
I had a great curiosity to see; but could not prevail upon her to show it me. Mr.
Tyler came up from Boston last Evening. Parson Wibird was here in the evening but
I did not see him.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0017

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-17

17th.

Great part of the day was spent in reading; and writing to my friends in Europe;1 a vessel is to sail e'er long. At about 4 o'clock, Mr. and Mrs. Cranch return'd home.
Mr. Tyler too, went out early in the morning and did not return till the evening.

18th.

The weather in the morning look'd stormy, and was showery at different times all day.
I attended however Mr. Wibird's sermons forenoon and afternoon; he was this day remarkably
short, and did not either time keep us more than an hour and an half: A shower fell
just as the afternoon meeting, was over; and Mr. Tyler and myself went over the way,
to Mrs. Church's. We borrow'd her Chaise of her, and went down first to Mrs. Quincy's.1 We found Mr. and Mrs. Guild2 there; they both appear in an ill State, of health; they have been unfortunate of
late, but bear it with exemplary firmness. Mrs. Quincy is an agreeable old Lady, and
Nancy,3 has always the Complaisant smile on her Countenance. She is small, and fat, consequently
not a beauty: yet, considering the amiable Character she bears, and her fortune which
is in this Country, far from being mean, I wonder she has not yet got married: her
time is not come say the girls. After drinking tea we left Mrs. Quincy's House, and
on our road home, stop'd at Mr. Alleyne's and spent half an hour there. We found Mr.
Boice Miss Hannah Clark's admirer: it is said they are to be married ere long. We
return'd home at about 8 o'clock.

19th.

Mr. Cranch went to Boston in the morning. I staid a great part of the day at home
writing. Mr. Tyler, was engaged all day, in business.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-20

20th.

Mr. Tyler was again taken up the whole day. In the afternoon I went with my Cousins,
over to Weymouth to see Mrs. Tufts1 who is recovering from a long and dangerous illness. We spent about an hour and drank
tea there. I saw at a distance the solitary house which was my Grandfather's:2 but had no inclination. Whence arises this antipathy, to places where those who are
dear to us have died? Why does the involuntary tear, start from the eye, at the sight
of them? It surely must arise from a { 327 } good principle, for although these feelings are painful, yet I would not be free from
them.

While we were gone, Miss Lucy Apthorp, with her future husband Mr. Nash,3 came in to pay a visit to my Cousins. They afterwards set off together for Boston,
where they are next Saturday, to be united. The family will go to-morrow.

1. Lucy Quincy Tufts (1729–1785), wife of Dr. Cotton Tufts Sr., and JQA's great-aunt; she died after a lingering illness on 30 Oct.

2. Rev. William Smith (1707–1783), father of AA, had been minister of the First Church of Weymouth.

3. Lucy Ann Apthorp, daughter of James Apthorp, of Braintree, married Richard Nash of
Cornwall, England, an officer in the British navy, four days later (entry for 24 Sept., below; John Wentworth, The Wentworth Genealogy, 2 vols., Boston, 1870, 1:306; Boston Gazette, 26 Sept.).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-21

21st.

Hazy disagreeable weather: was confined all day to the House, and was for the most
part employ'd in preparing my trunks, that are to go to Haverhill. Mr. Tyler's business
was finish'd last night, he was the greatest part of this day writing to Europe.1

1. If this included letters to the Adamses in Europe, none has been found.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-22

22d.

This morning I sent down a Cart with my two trunks that are going to Haverhill. I
intended to go myself in the forenoon, but at length resolv'd to go and dine with
Mrs. Quincy, and from thence go forward to Boston. My two good Cousins went in the
Chaise; I walk'd it, with Mr. Tyler. We were not expected, and somewhat late: we found
Parson Wibird there, who ask'd me abundance, of questions, mostly concerning the Women
of the different Countries I had been in. I observed this to him, and he said, “Yes I always inquire about the best things first” an honourable testimony in favour of the Ladies, as it comes from an old Batchelor;
who I believe would have spent his days much more pleasantly than he has, had he taken
to himself, one of these best things thirty five years ago. Of all negative happiness,
I think, that attending the life of an old batchelor is the most insipid.

After dinner Mr. Tyler, and I mounted our horses, and trudg'd { 328 } on towards Boston: at Milton, we stopp'd for half an hour at Genl: Warren's, and found
Mrs. Otis there. At about 5 o'clock, we got to the neck: there Mr. Tyler left me,
and went to Jamaica Plains where his mother lives. When I got to my uncle Cranch's
lodgings, he told me, that the Stage between this and Haverhill, will not go this
week; so that my trunks cannot be sent. Went to my uncle Smith's. Mrs. Otis and Mrs.
Welch spent the evening there, and I was obliged to take a hand at whist, which is
never very agreeable to me, but which I always think myself obliged to do, when a
party cannot otherwise be made.

1. Thomas Gray, “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” lines 89–90. On 29 Sept. 1782
JQA copied this poem into one of his poetical commonplace books (M/JQA/26, Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 221). JQA also may have had in his possession at this time the Poetical Works of Mr. Gray, new edn., London, 1785, now at MQA, which contains his bookplate.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-23

23d.

At 9 this morning I went to see about getting my trunks to Haverhill: Mr. Cranch told
me; they have been put on board a vessel, that will sail in two or three days for
Newbury Port and from thence, a conveyance will easily be found for sending them to
Haverhill. I visited Mr. Toscan; and was afterwards introduced to Mr. Hughes, Mr.
Lincoln, and Mr. Gardiner, all three Lawyers. The last, on the 4th. of July, pronounced
the most curious, blank verse discourse, that I ever read.1 He shows beyond all dispute that he is a great admirer of blank verse. Some critics
pretend that blank verse is the most noble, and most perfect, in English Poetry. Mr.
G: opinion on that subject seems to go further still. He seems to think that it is
preferable even upon common occasions to prose, and when I was introduced, I expected
to hear him break out into some Raphsody.

Dined at the French Consuls, and in the afternoon went with him and visited the Governor,
and Mr. Russel: I there saw Mr. Seaver who arrived yesterday in a vessel from St.
Petersburg. He inform'd us that the Russian Army in time of Peace was composed of
450,000 men. This was a piece of news to me, and would be I fansy to a Russian: I
went with the Consul and Mr. Serane, and drank tea at Mr. Tudor's,2 who was very polite. Mr. Serane, sung, play'd on the violin, and on the guittar;
this gentleman, though only nineteen years old, is quite a virtuose. I spent the evening, and supped at Mr. B. Austin's.3 I was again, unwillingly { 329 } obliged to play all the evening at Whist. I used formerly to be very fond of cards,
and could spend evening after evening at play. Whence my present aversion to them
arises I know not: but wish it may continue; for I think, that if playing cards is
excusable in a woman, it is, for a man, but a miserable loss of time at best. When
we rose from Supper it was so late, that I supposed Deacon Smith's family would be
in bed: and went with Mr. Tyler who lodges at Mr. Palmer's. It was 12 before we retired.

1. An Oration, Delivered July 4, 1785, At the Request of the Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, In Celebration of the Anniversary of American Independence, [Boston], 1785.

24th.

This forenoon I was present at the marriage, of Mr. Nash and Miss Apthorp. They were
married in the Chapel by Mr. Parker,1 as Mr. Freeman,2 the minister there, not having receiv'd orders, cannot perform the Ceremony. He was
however present and in the Pulpit, where he was kind enough to give me a place. Mr.
Tyler, who is intimate with him, introduced me to him. Mr. Nash was dress'd in his
uniform, plainly, as becomes an Officer, and a gentleman. Miss Apthorp, was elegantly
dress'd, though the colour of her gown appear'd to me, sober for the occasion. The
old man3 look'd happy, as if he was giving his Daughter to a member of the British royal family.
The mother appeared dejected, nor can any person, who considers the consequences of
this event, wonder at it. The poor girl herself, as the ceremony was performing, trembled
like a leaf—and for my heart I could not help trembling for her too. Her prospects
are not, I think to be envied. Her father may think it, an honour for her to be connected
with a british officer.

The gentleman's father is purser on board a king's ship. He himself is 1st. Lieutenant
on board another; his fortune independent of his pay, is not large I am told, and
surely if an officer's pay is scarcely sufficient to maintain him alone, it must fall
short when he has a wife and family to support. But what with many People, would be
a still greater objection to their union, is that this pair 3 { 330 } months ago were perfect strangers to each other. Tinder, is but too often the emblem
of a sudden passion: I wish it may not be in this Case. I sincerely hope, that the
maxim audaces fortuna juvat,5 may prove just, and that every sort of Happiness may attend them through Life.

Dined at Mr. Palmer's, and sent an excuse to Mr. Russel, who had invited me. The weather
was disagreeable all the morning, and at about noon it began to be hazy. It continued
so, all the afternoon; but I intended notwithstanding that, to go out this evening
as far as Genl. Warren's. I had my horse saddled and bridled, when the rain began
to shower down in such a manner, that I determined at length to remain in town. I
went with Mr. Tyler, and spent the evening with Mr. Gore,6 a lawyer. He spoke of a Mr. le Washington,7 who arrived here in the last vessel from London; a traveller greatly improved in
the art of fiction. Slept again at Mr. Palmer's.

1. Samuel Parker was installed as minister of Trinity Church in Boston in 1774 and was elected Episcopal
Bishop of the Eastern Diocese in 1804 (Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 16:76–84).

2. James Freeman, appointed reader at King's Chapel, Boston, in 1783 and ordained rector by the congregation
in 1787 after higher Episcopal authorities in New York refused to ordain him because
of his unorthodox views (Francis William Pitt Greenwood, History of King's Chapel in . . ., Boston, 1833, p. 135, 139–142).

6. Christopher Gore, member of the state constitutional convention in 1788 and in 1796 commissioner to
settle American claims against England under Jay's Treaty. He later served Massachusetts
as governor and U.S. Senator (Hist. of Suffolk Co., Mass., 1:225; Biog. Dir. Cong.).

7. Cited in the Massachusetts Spy, 15 Sept., as “Mr. Washington,” but otherwise unidentified. JQA's letter to AA2, 19–30 Sept. (Adams Papers) makes it clear that Washington was a teller of “extravagant Stories” and not a writer
of fiction.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0025

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-25

25th.

It continued raining all night, and in the morning so that I could not go out of town.
We went to the Chapel, and heard Mr. Freeman preach. This gentleman has adopted the
antetrinitarian1 System, which has of late appear'd in this Country. Such religious freedom, as America,
enjoys, must always have a tendency to increase the number of religious sects: but
if this be a disadvantage, it is more than balanced by the liberal Sentiments which
every sect adopts with respect to all the rest. After { 331 } Church was over Mr. Tyler and myself, mounted our horses and cross'd the neck together;
at Roxbury he left me, and went to his Mamma's. I proceeded to Braintree. I got to
the meeting house, a little before the service began, and attended it. The weather
clear'd up this afternoon, and promises to continue fair.

1. That is, Anti-Trinitarian. Freeman, with his strong liberal tendencies, was moving
King's Chapel from Anglicanism toward Unitarianism (Sydney E. Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People, New Haven, 1972, p. 388–389, 392).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0026

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-26

26th.

Mr. Tyler, was to return last evening, but did not. My two Cousins went last Saturday
to Boston and will not return this week. My uncle, went this afternoon to Boston so
that my aunt and I are now at home quite alone. In the forenoon, I went out with my
gun; and took a long walk: but found no game of any kind. In the afternoon I went
down to our house, and looked over many of the things. I can never feel gay in this
house, while its owners are absent, and this evening my aunt accused me of being melancholy;
a reproach I am very seldom loaded with. I had a disagreeable head ache, and really
felt very dull.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0027

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-27

27th.

Mr. Tyler came from Boston last evening; was pretty busy in the forenoon; I went and
paid a visit to Mr. Apthorp, next door neighbour to my uncle: he came from Boston
this morning and is going back this afternoon: he is a man of Sense, and much reading,
but he has a certain wildness in his eyes, which indicates something extraordinary,
in his character, which I am told is really the case. He has an extravagant fondness
for England, and for everything that is English: he talks sensibly upon diverse subjects,
but as I had heard his Character before I saw him, I purposely spoke in the highest
terms, of the french Nation and their Country: he never said he was of a different
opinion, but he observed that though the beauties of England were not of the same
kind, they were very great, and like a true Englishman contrasted, french politeness
and outward accomplishments, to English dignity and Sincerity. I did not think it
was necessary to contest any point, and therefore humoured him in his Admiration for
Britain; in which, however I am very far from joining with him. After dinner I went
down with Mr. Tyler, and drank { 332 } tea with my uncle Quincy,1 and from his house saw the tender, which came lately from Hallifax, to carry back
Mr. Nash, and his new bride.

I intended to go as far as Milton this evening, but it was so late when we return'd
from my uncle's, that I could not. As we were walking home, I had with Mr. Tyler some
very curious conversation, on a subject as curious. We smoked a sociable pipe in the
Evening at his office: and there continued it. He was somewhat in a prophetic mood,
but I imagine, he will never have occasion to say

1. Norton Quincy (1716–1801), JQA's great-uncle. He was formerly a Boston merchant, but after the death of his wife
soon after marriage, he retired to Braintree, where he lived a reclusive life in the
Quincy estate. His refusal to seek company and to accept other than minor town offices
bothered the Adamses, who, though they were very fond of him, felt that his name and
position should have led him to accept greater responsibilities (L. H. Butterfield,
A Pride of Quincys, MHS Picturebook, Boston, 1969, [p. 7–8]).

2. That is, JQA believed that Tyler would never have absolute conviction that a certain event, presumably
marriage to AA2, would take place. The quotation is from Racine's tragedy Iphigénie (1674), Act III, scene vii, last line.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0028

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-28

28th.

Doctor Tufts went by in the morning, and took with him, a small trunk for me, to Boston.
At about 10 I went for my horse, to Mr. Veasy's. Mr. Tyler went with me. At the meeting
house he left me, and I went to Milton. Stopp'd half an hour at Genl: Warren's. Their
only son now at home is James: Harry yesterday stopp'd in at my uncle's, on his road
to Plymouth. Mrs. Warren has been ill; and is not yet entirely recovered. It was near
one afternoon, when I got to Boston. Upon Change I met Dr. Waterhouse; and found him
the same man, he was four years, ago, when I was acquainted with him in Holland. Dined
at Mr. Foster's: and after Dinner went to Deacon Smith's: as I had not been there,
since last Friday morning; and did not know when I came out of the house, that I should
not return that day: they all said they thought I had been cast away; and could not
find the way to their house. Received a letter from Mr. Brush, with, le mariage de Figaro.1 Went and spent an hour with Dr. Waterhouse, at his lodgings, and at about dusk, cross'd
the river, and went to spend this night and to-morrow, with my Cousin Cranch and my
{ 333 } brother. It was near 8 o'clock before I got to Cambridge. Weather quite cool. A fire
very comfortable.

29th.

Paid a visit this morning to Mr. Tracey, but he was not at home. At about eleven in
the morning I received a billet from my Cousin Betsey, telling me I must be in Boston
before dinner, as Mr. Peabody, would certainly leave town this afternoon, for Haverhill.
That she could not go with me, as we had intended, another woman, having engaged a
place in the Chaise. I immediately hastened to Boston; got there just at Dinner time,
and was then told, that matters were again alter'd, and that we were not to go till
to morrow morning. I was not displeased with this information. Dined with my uncles.
After dinner I met Mr. Hughes in the Street, and went and spent an hour with him at
his Office. Met Mr. W. Smith in the Street. He has been gone ever since my arrival,
on a journey; and return'd last evening. I was lounging about all the afternoon; and
spent the Evening, and supp'd at Doctor Welch's. Slept at Uncle Smith's.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0011-0030

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-09-30

30th.

This morning at 7 o'clock I cross'd Charlestown ferry. At about 8 I got into a Chaise
with a Mrs. Webster a lady, that I never saw but who has de grands talens pour le silence. We went through Cambridge, but the horse was so restless, that I could not get out
to speak to my brother or Cousin. We stopp'd and dined about 16 miles from Haverhill.
Had an exceeding good Dinner, and at a very moderate charge, which I have seldom found
in my own Country. It was about 6 in the evening when, we got to Haverhill; in the
whole day, there was about the value of a quarter of an hour's conversation pass'd
between us. How much more agreeable would my journey have been, had I come with My
Cousin. I was heartily glad when I got to my Uncle's house.

My Aunt was drinking Tea at Mrs. Payson's, and I went over there with Mr. Shaw. In
the Evening I delivered Lucy Cranch's message, with the wedding Cake to Miss Hazen.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0001

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-01

Saturday October 1st. 1785.

I have been arguing with myself, whether I had best continue my Journal, or break
it off at present. The events for the future will probably be a continual repetition
one of the other: and will contain nothing that even I myself may desire to Remember.
But I have thought that I shall surely have often observations to make upon diverse
subjects, which it may be proper to commit to Paper. And I can again employ the Resource
of sketching Characters, which however imperfect, and however unlike they may be,
yet will serve in future to remind me of the opinion I shall have formed, of the respective
persons. My Journal till now has almost entirely consisted in an account of my peregrinations:
with very few reflections or observations. My Plan will now be very different. Little
narrative, and the most part of what I write will be observations.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-02

2d.

Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. In the evening I took a walk with Mr.
Thaxter. Return'd home early and wrote a Letter to Mr. Tyler.1 Mr. Shaw had a number of persons to spend the evening with him. Sunday evenings in
this Country, the minister of the Parish, commonly has Company. To-morrow Mr. and
Mrs. Shaw set out on a Journey for near three weeks.

3d.

The Weather was so disagreeable in the morning, that my uncle, and Aunt were undetermined
whether to set out, or wait till to'morrow, but it cleared up, and at about 10 they
went away. I this day began upon my Studies, and found it by no means an agreeable
thing to learn grammar by heart. If I only read twice or thrice over a thing that
pleases me, I can commonly retain it in my memory: but when there is nothing but words,
my head seems determined not to receive them, and I am obliged to beat them into it.
But it must be so, and it is quite useless to complain.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-04

4th.

I began this day to translate the Eclogues of Virgil.1 What a difference between this Study, and that of a dry barren greek Grammar. But
without sowing the grain there certainly can be no harvest, and there is no Rose,
without a thorn. I have been invited to several places, but as yet have had to plead,
as an excuse, that my trunks are not come, and I have no Clothes to appear decently
in. Although I am much in want of my trunks, yet I should be glad if I could make
the excuse serve, longer, than I shall be able to: for I feel every day the desire
of forming new Acquaintances, diminishing. I have been for these eight years continually
changing my Society: as soon as I have been able to distinguish good Characters from
bad, and have obtained any friends, I could have any Confidence in, I have been obliged
to leave them, probably never to see them more. My heart instead of growing callous
by a frequent repetition of the same pain, seem'd to feel every seperation more than,
any of the former ones. I am really weary of this wandering, strolling kind of Life,
and now I wish to form few new acquaintances, have few friends, but such as I may

1. JQA's translation of Virgil's Eclogues, mentioned here, is undoubtedly the undated MS, M/JQA/43 (Adams Papers, Microfilms, Reel No. 238), which contains only the first four eclogues. Two years earlier he
had copied all ten of the eclogues in Latin, each (except the last) followed by Dryden's
English translation (4 vols., London, 1782, at MQA). The Latin text used here is uncertain; JQA had bought the Brindley edition, London, 1744 (at MQA), in Paris on 11 March 1785, but there were at least two other editions of Virgil's
works previously purchased by JQA, now also at MQA, which may have been in his possession at this time ([Christian Lotter], Inventory
of JQA's books, 6 Nov. 1784, Adams Papers).

5th.

Mr. Thaxter came and dined with us, to day, the first time he has been to see us,
since Mr. Shaw went away. In the evening Miss Nancy had Company to Visit her. Mr.
W. Osgood, who is said to be her very humble Servant, and something like a Mr. Hickman,
to a Miss Howe.1 Mr. Ca[leb] Blodget, who bears the same title, but if fame be true, with still less Success.
I am afraid she either treats her admirers too well or too ill. Miss B. Duncan, Mr.
Thaxter's reputed flame, she is in my opinion the greatest { 336 } beauty in Haverhill: at least of the Ladies I have seen. Her hair alone is sufficient
to justify the admiration of the ancients for golden locks. Her face is very pretty,
and her eye sparkles with Vivacity, and good nature, without that wildness which indicates
want of thought. She is as Fielding says, too tall for a pretty woman, and too short
for a fine Woman: that is no one can wish her an inch taller or an inch lower. Her
shape, is inferior to none I ever saw, and her taste in dress is elegant, with the
utmost simplicity. If her mind is equal to her Person, I hope she is destined, to
complete the happiness of a Person for whom I have the greatest Esteem and Affection.
Her Sister Peggy was here too this evening, and Miss Debby Perkins, of whom I shall
speak all in good time.

6th.

Was invited to Drink tea at Judge Sargeants.1 But was obliged still to plead the excuse I have already mentioned. I say obliged,
because, this is one of the families I would wish to be acquainted with the most.
My Brother was gone all the afternoon after nuts. Just before dark I went out with
the gun, for half an hour, but saw no game. Miss Nancy Spent part of the Evening at
Judge Sargeants. The judge himself is now absent riding the Circuits, and is so more
than 6 months in 12, but he is expected home soon. He has two Sons and five Daughters,
One only of whom I have seen: her name is Tabitha. Quite a patriarchical name; and
a Lady that pleases me mightily. She is uncommonly tall, for a woman, but well proportioned;
her countenance is rather agreeable than handsome, and it has an appearance of prudence,
and solidity, which I wish I could perceive in all the other young Ladies here. She
behaves with a propriety which I think might serve as an example to others.

7th.

Last Evening Betsey Cranch arrived, and came this morning to see us. She came with
Mr. Ben Blodget, the youngest of that family. She is to live at Mr. White's, at least
a great part of the { 337 } time she will stay in Haverhill. I cannot help wishing she was to spend more of the
time in this House, for several Reasons.

I went down and spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter at his Office; He told me he thought
B. Duncan, the girl of the most Reason, and good Sense in Haverhill: this was enough
for a friend but not sufficient for a Lover. He spoke of several other girls in this
Place, but not with the most favourable partiality. Dined at home, Miss Perkins favoured
us with her Company. She is about as tall as Miss Duncan, and her shape is nearly
as fine. Her face is perhaps as pretty, and her hair is more adapted to the taste
of mankind at this day: but there is something in the other Lady's Eye, that window
of the Soul, which must I think determine the generality of mankind in her favour.
Miss Perkins, appears very young; I doubt whether she is yet seventeen: And she shows
all the levity which commonly distinguishes girls at that time of Life. I would call
her a Romp, but her pretty face forbids me to; I would say that she has too much of

8th.

Mr. Thaxter spent half an hour with us in the forenoon; after dinner my Brother and
myself went gunning, from 3 o'clock till dark. The only game to be found here, are
Larks and Robins, and black birds: there were great numbers of them. We brought home
17 and should probably have had many more, had I been as good a marksman as my brother.
At length the long expected trunks are come; and Mr. Peabody, to whose care they were
addrest, says they have been here ever since, Tuesday, but he has not been able to
find them out; I believe the plain fact is, he forgot to leave any body, to deliver
them, in Case, they came, while he was at Boston, and since his return has not thought
of them till now. I am however very glad to have them at last safe. One of the trunks
was wet in the bottom: and the clothes in it were somewhat moist.

At about 12 o'clock, I went down to Mr. Thaxter's Office. And soon after I went with
him, and paid a visit to Judge Sargeant, who return'd last Friday. He and his Lady
were, both of them very polite: and invited me to come often to their house. Mrs.
Sargeant,2 has in her countenance, all that placid mildness, which so much becomes a Lady at
that time of Life. If I mistake not, I also perceived in it, a small degree of Melancholy,
which always strikes me, and makes a person more interesting to me. Dined at home.
Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and Evening out, as indeed she always does. I intended
to have gone down to Master White's; but a thunder shower came up a little before
dark, and prevented me. It lasted about two hours, and the lightening was exceeding
sharp, though, the Thunder was not hard. Mr. Ben Blodget came home with Nancy, but
staid only a few minutes. I am apt to believe he is another admirer of her Charms,
and I tell her she has the gantlet to run through that family. Indeed she seems to
have ingrossed the attentions of almost every youth in Haverhill. The girl has surely
something bewitching in her, for she treats them all very ill.

1. In the MS, “10th” appears to be marked over “9th”; JQA's letter to AA2, 1–22 Oct. (Adams Papers), under the part written on 12 Oct., confirms the former date.

11th.

The weather begins to grow Cold: and the winter is advancing with hasty strides. In
the afternoon I went down to Mr. White's, but they were all gone out: Went and spent
half an hour at Mr. Blodget's, then return'd home. I accompanied the inseparables
Nancy, and Debby, to Judge Sargeants, where we remain'd all the evening. Those two
girls in particular, ate such a quantity of peaches, as astonished me. I should not
have thought that five persons could devour so many in one Evening. From thence we
went to see Miss Perkins home, and after staying there a quarter of an hour, retired
to our Respective Stations. Mr. Osgood accompanied Miss Nancy home, and I Miss T.
Sargeant, who spends a great part of her time with Mrs. Payson her Sister, who { 339 } is in poor Health. I expect to hear to morrow that Miss Nancy cannot leave her Chamber.
Oh! Prudence, what a charming virtue art thou! But how few are so happy as to possess
thee!

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-12

12th.

There were not those effects which I expected from last Night's frolic. Though Miss
Nancy was not perfectly well to day. In the afternoon I went with her, down as far
as Mr. Duncan's, left her there, and went myself down to Mr. White's. They all complain'd
of my not having been more to see them since I arrived here. They expect their Son1 home to-morrow. They have some thoughts of his going to London, in the first vessel,
that sails; if he should be able to obtain Leave from the government of the College.
The young Ladies are learning to play upon the harpsichord, and play'd a number of
tunes. This family is an exceeding agreeable one; Mrs. White appears to be exceedingly
fond of her family, and to possess those virtues which in this Country are most peculiarly
requisite, but which our young Ladies seem too fond of shaking off. In short I think
our matrons in general, must strike an impartial person, in a more amiable light than
most of our maiden toasts. A warm affection for her family, and an humane and benevolent
heart for the rest of the world, are in my opinion a woman's greatest ornaments. Miss
Peggy is about 20 years old, and is called a Beauty. Her face has a great deal of
Dignity, perhaps a little Severity in it; but when adorn'd with a smile is extremely
pleasant. Last Winter, she was in a very unfortunate State of mind: a melancholy seiz'd
her, which greatly distress'd her Parents; but she recovered in the Spring, and has
since that time enjoyed a most uncommon flow of Spirits. When a scale is weigh'd down
on one side, it is extremely difficult to lighten it immediately just as much as is
necessary to make the balance just; the danger is that the other side, should in its
turn weigh down. Her brother Leonard is my Cousin Cranch's Chamber mate at College:
and has studied with him these three years.

1. Leonard White, who became one of JQA's most intimate friends in Haverhill and later at Cambridge, where they were classmates.
White held numerous public offices in Haverhill throughout his life and served a term
as representative in the state legislature in 1809 and as a member of the congress,
1811–1813. After his return from Washington, he became cashier of the Merrimack Bank
of Haverhill from 1814 to 1836 (Essex Antiquarian, 11:37 [Jan. 1907]; Biog. Dir. Cong.).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-13

13th.

Miss Nancy, My Brother and myself dined with Mr. Dodge, to day: Mr. Thaxter was there.
He went two or three days ago to Newbury and return'd last night. Mr. Dodge is a person
of extensive reading, and is fond of enquiring, which is always very agreeable to
a traveller. In the afternoon I went with Mr. Thaxter to Mr. Osgood's1 Store, and afterwards to his own office. We return'd and drank tea at Mr. Dodge's:
after that return'd home: Miss Hazen spent the Evening out. Cold weather.

14th.

Dined this day at Judge Sargeants. Mr. Payson, his Son in Law, Mr. Thaxter, and my
brother were there. The judge will set out to-morrow, to ride the Circuit again; the
manner in which three quarters of his time are taken up. Spent an hour with Mr. Thaxter
at his office, and he then went with me to our House, where we found a number of Ladies
at tea. They soon after went away: as there were a number of Ladies and no gentlemen,
I offer'd to wait upon two of the Ladies, and had before the end of the evening reason
to repent for my Complaisance. We first, all went down to Mr. Blodget's, and after
staying there about a quarter of an hour, to Mr. Bartlets. We were there, 14 or 15
persons in a small Room, gazing at one another, and making I think as silly a figure,
as was necessary. There we sat two long hours, and I was weary'd to Death. However
for one Comfort, I had a little dish of Scandal with Betsey Cranch, who was as much
fatigued as I. At length we all return'd to our Respective homes; for which I was
not a Little thankful.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-15

15th.

We had this day, two young Gentlemen, to dine with us. Mr. Saml. Brooks from the Academy,
at Exeter, where they have at present a vacation for three weeks; and Sam: Walker,
my brother Charles's Chum, at College: their vacancy will not begin till next Wednesday,
but he has obtained leave to come home already. Leonard White too, was here in the
afternoon. He came home on Wednesday, returned on Thursday to Boston, and came { 341 } back last Evening. The Government of the University, would not give him leave of absence,
so that he will not go to England at present. We had this afternoon some of the most
extraordinary weather, I remember ever to have known. At about 3 o'clock afternoon,
the Clouds look'd uncommonly yellow, and it grew so dark, that I could with difficulty
read a small print: and although it was quite cold, it began to thunder. It call'd
to the memory of most persons, the famous dark day, which happened in 1780,1 but which was much more remarkable than this. It cleared up however in some measure
before Sun set, and the weather in the Evening was not disagreeable.

N.B. Miss Nancy did not go out of the House, once during the whole course of this
day.

16th.

We had no minister to day, at our meeting house. Nancy went to the other in the forenoon,
and Tommy in the afternoon. I stayd at home all day. Miss Hazen, has been very unwell,
for some days past, and had this afternoon, one of her teeth drawn. I wish she could
be persuaded to take care of them: The want of proper attention to the teeth, is an
universal failing in this Country, and is very hurtful both to the beauty, and the
Health of our Ladies.

Mr. Thaxter last night, promised to come, and dine with us to day, but, went over,
to meeting at Bradford. I forgot last Sunday to mention, that we had Mr. Moody of
Pelham, to preach here, and I attended forenoon, and afternoon. A very sober preacher,
who made use of a vast Quantity of Quotations.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-17

17th.

There happened a very considerable alteration in the weather, during the course of
the last Night. Yesterday the weather was uncommonly warm, and has been to day very
cold; more like winter than any we have yet had. In the afternoon, Leonard White came
up, and waited upon Miss Nancy down to his father's house. I went soon after, and
drank tea, there: Mrs. and Miss Williams the professor's Lady and Daughter,1 were there upon a visit. Miss Williams, is tall and pretty, that is all I can say,
of her, after so transient a view: an intimate friend of { 342 } Nancy's: they appear'd both very much pleased to see one another. There was in the
Evening considerable Company; who they were is easily guess'd. At eight o'clock I
return'd. Miss Hazen spent the remainder of the Evening at Mr. Duncan's.

18th.

This morning I rose about half an hour before the Sun, and walk'd two or three miles
before breakfast. Spent half an hour, with Mr. Thaxter at his office. After breakfast
went down to Mr. White's and there agreed with them in what manner to go to Newbury.
Dined with them, and at about half after two, Mr. J: Duncan,1 set out with Miss White, I with my Cousin and Leonard, on horse back. We cross'd
the ferry about 3 miles off, and at about 5, we got to Newbury; we went to Mr. Dalton's,
who was not then at home. We found it exceedingly cold on the road, and both Leonard,
and I had forgot our Surtouts, for which we suffer'd, and I dare say this Circumstance,
will teach us more prudence another time, more effectually than a sermon would. Mr.
Dalton return'd to tea, and we spent the Evening there. His eldest Daughter, Ruth,
is the fattest Person of her age I ever saw. Moderately speaking I suppose, her circumference
equal to her height, and she is not short. She is but little turn'd of 18 years. Mr.
Dalton has three other Daughters, one of whom is unwell. I have not for a long while
seen a family, that has struck me so agreeably, as this. Mr. Dalton, was my father's
classmate at College, and has been his friend ever since.2 He is universally affable and polite, and unites to an high degree the gentleman
with the scholar. His [wife] has something in her Countenance, which would authorize any one at first sight, to
pronounce, her amiable and benovelent.

Of manners gentle, and affections mild.

The Children all seem to inherit, the soft, placid turn of mind which distinguishes
both the parents. Who after seeing such a family, as this can relish the idle Pomp
and Pageantry of a Court. He who could must have ideas of happiness, very different
from mine.

19th.

We went out between 9 and 10 this morning, in order to take, a walk, and look at the
troops, for this day there happened to be a regimental muster here, and training day
for the militia. When we went out we had no idea of being gone more than an hour,
but it was near two before we return'd. 10 Companies from Newbury, march'd about two
miles out, and met 7 others from Almesbury [Amesbury]. There were in all, I imagine about a thousand men under arms. All the officers and
the artillery Company composed of 39 men, were in a dark blue uniform, faced with
scarlet: the troops were not in any uniform. They paraded tolerably well, all things
consider'd, though it would take I imagine considerable time to make Prussian troops
of them. The Coll. Lieutt. Coll. and Adjudant were on white horses. There was none
of the officers that appeared so much to advantage as the adjutant, a joiner by trade,
named Herriman. Many officers who have from their childhood brought up in regular
armies, would not appear more graceful or show more dignity at a parade, than this
person did. Some men whatever their Station in Life may be, have a natural grace and
elegance, which never leave them; others though possess'd of the highest advantages,
and train'd from their Infancy to the Science of politeness, can never acquire that
easy agreeable manner which has so great a tendency:

When the two parties had join'd after a short pause, they march'd all together back
into the town, and we left them. We dined at Mr. Dalton's, but he was so unwell, that
he could not favour us with his Company. He caught yesterday a bad cold, at New town,
a seat which he owns, about half way between this and Haverhill. Mr. Symmes2 dined with us, a young Gentleman, { 344 } whose manners are very easy and agreeable. At about 4. we proceeded in the order we
went yesterday, to return home; we got to Mr. White's house, just before dark. I came
from the ferry on horseback. Spent the Evening very agreeably, there, and return'd
home, at about 9 o'clock. Found Mr. Thaxter there, but he soon after went away.

2. William Symmes, an Andover lawyer and son of Rev. William Symmes (John Adams Vinton, The Symmes Memorial. A Biographical Sketch of Rev. Zechariah Symmes . . . with a Genealogy
and Brief Memoirs of Some of His Descendants . . ., Boston, 1873, p. 59–61).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-20

20th.

Spent the whole day at home. Miss Nancy spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Duncan's.
In the beginning of the Evening my uncle and Aunt arrived, although they were not
expected before to-morrow. I am rejoyced at it, for the time they have been gone has
appeared long to me, and somewhat dull. My Aunt brought me Letters from London, as
two vessels have arrived. I have two from my Mother, which excite my curiosity to
an high degree;1 and it cannot be gratified without those from my Sister, which I hope will come by
the Post to morrow. I know not, that I was ever so impatient, and I cannot Reason
myself out of it.

1. AA to JQA, 11, 23 Aug.; also received was one from William Vans Murray to JQA, 2 Aug., all in Adams Papers (JQA to AA2, 1–22 Oct., Adams Papers). JQA knew some decision had been made about Royall Tyler, but not yet exactly what. In
the first of AA's letters to her son, she wrote that he would be surprised by the contents of some
of the letters arriving in packets, but added that “at the same time you will approve
the wise conduct of the writer [AA2] who has shewn a firmness of mind and prudence which do her honour. Be Silent! We are all rejoiced because it came of her own accord free and
unsolicited from her, and was the result I believe of many Months anxiety as you were
witness.” For AA2's letter, which was being concluded as AA wrote, see entry for 29 Oct. (below). AA2 wrote a one-sentence letter to Tyler breaking the engagement, returning his miniature
and letters, and asking that he give hers to Richard Cranch (JA, Earliest Diary, p. 27).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0020

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-21

21st.

Stormy weather all day. It is a very lucky circumstance, that Mr. and Mrs. Shaw return'd
yesterday, as they would have had a very disagreeable time to day. In the morning
I went down to Mr. White's with the Chaise, for my Cousin, who came to spend the day,
and will not return this Night, as the Storm rather increases than otherwise.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-22

22d.

The weather has been all day, pretty much the same as it was yesterday, an high wind,
with incessant rain. It begins however this evening to abate in some measure. My Cousin
was troubled very much all this afternoon, with the Head-ache a Complaint she is much
subject [to]. I have been struck with the contrast between the two young Ladies that are now under
this Roof. Eliza, is about 21. Her complexion is dark, and her face, though not beautiful, has a sweetness,
and benign candour in it, which my gothic taste prefers vastly, to that insipid thing
called beauty. Her eye expresses the exquisite Sensibility of her heart. Perhaps this
is too great for her own happiness, but although I think that feeling so keenly for
the distress of others, may be productive of pains without which a person would be
happier, yet I believe that this quality, (especially in a Lady) is the most amiable
of all those in the human heart. Her imagination has much vivacity, but has not been
spoilt by unmeaning novels, or immoral plays. She is fond of reading, but of that
reading which tends to cultivate, and improve, as well as to entertain and delight
the mind, and she knows how to improve what she reads. Her affability and good nature,
endear her to those who are acquainted with her, and must always be pleasing to a
Stranger. This would be thought a panegyric, not a Character, by any person unacquainted
with her, but I shall not be accused of partiality by those, who have an opportunity
of examining into the truth of it.

Nancy, is only 17. She had the misfortune of losing her Father, while she was very young
indeed. She is not a regular beauty, but has one of the most expressive Countenances,
I have ever seen; her shape is uncommonly fine, and her eye seems to have magic in
it. She boarded, for a considerable time with Mrs. Sheaffe in Boston, and there, had
a great number of admirers, when she was too young to distinguish between the sincere
friend, and the pretended Lover. She acquired unawares a fondness for being admired,
which I am mistaken if she has entirely thrown off. By seeing a great deal of Company,
she has been brought to believe she cannot be contented at home, and to desire to
shine in a large circle. She asserts in the most positive manner that her heart is
entirely free from any engagement, yet she suffers the world to suppose, and to publish
that she is upon the point of being connected with a gentleman in this place, and
I am { 346 } perswaded it would give her pain, was he to pay his addresses to any other Lady. Yet
her heart is kind, tender and benevolent; and was she sensible of the pain she causes,
she would be the first to condemn herself. She will listen with attention to advice,
and hear her conduct censur'd without being offended. With a large share of wit, she
has an inexhaustible fund of good Nature; she has an uncommon flow of Spirits, but
can be properly serious if an occasion requires. She reads much, but I fear not with
so much advantage, as she would, had she not been drawn so young into the stream of
Dissipation. When time shall convince her, of those errors, which she has unavoidably
fallen into, she will I am perswaded free herself from them, and then she will be
an honour and an ornament to her sex.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-23

23d.

Attended the meeting forenoon, and afternoon. After tea, I went down with my Cousin
to Mr. White's. We met Leonard at the door; he was just coming up to my uncle's, but
went back when we got there. Staid but a few minutes there, and when I return'd found
Mr. Thaxter and Mr. Redington there: the Storm subsided in the Course of the last
night, but the weather to day has been hazy, and disagreeable. I never saw in Europe,
saw it Storm and reign 48 hours at a time, with incessant violence. It is however
not uncommon in this Country: especially at this Season of the year.

The river is exceeding high, and will probably rise much higher still, in the Course
of a day or two. There was yesterday a man belonging to this town, drown'd between
here and Newbury.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-24

24th.

The river has risen higher than was ever known, Insomuch that the great Street is
in many places full of water. I have been twice down to day to see it. The Current
is very swift, and wafts down a greater number of stumps of trees, and logs of wood.
There are a number of boats continually going out, and bringing back this wood. If
the piece is not mark'd it is entirely the perquisite of the Person who gets it. If
there is a mark on it, only one quarter belongs to the finder. Many People up in the
Country send down trees in this manner, to have boards made here. One { 347 } quarter is deducted for the recoverer of the log, and one quarter for the miller who
saws it so that one half remains for the original possessor. This is the cheapest
way of sending, the trees, but great numbers, pass by without being caught, and are
carried out to sea. This afternoon, there was another man drown'd near here.

Went and spent an hour at Mr. White's. The more I see of this family the more I am
pleased with it. It would inspire a Courtier with fondness for domestic happiness.
They are at present uneasy because Mrs. White is very unwell: we did not see her.
We left Betsey and Peggy Duncan there and Mr. Thaxter, at about 7 and return'd home.
The Weather has been chilly the greatest part of the day, but grew very warm in the
Evening. At about 11. at night there was a thunder shower, with a great deal of hail,
but the thunder was not heavy.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0024

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-25

25th.

The river begins at length to fall, but rose, continually, till this morning; and
was much higher than it ever was before. A shop on the banks, was yesterday carried
off, run a foul, of a vessel on the stocks, and dismounted her. Much damage has been
done by this uncommon freshet.

I this day concluded the greek Grammar, for which I am heartily thankful. I shall
immediately begin upon the Greek testament.

This afternoon, Lucy, and Billy Cranch, and my brother Charles, arrived here. There
is a vacancy now at the University, for a fortnight, and my brother will spend the
remainder of it here. My Cousins stopp'd at Mr. White's, and I went down there to
meet them. We soon return'd back all together, and spent the evening. I had not been
with both my brothers together, these six years. The meeting was a very happy one;
it made me wish for another. Miss Nancy went out yesterday morning to spend the week.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0025

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-26

26th.

I was greatly disappointed to find, that neither of my Cousins nor my brother had
any Letters for me from Europe. Surely my Sister did not let both opportunities slip.
I began to day upon the { 348 } Testament but shall not I fear proceed far this week. Company in the afternoon to
drink tea.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0026

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-27

27th.

This morning Miss Nancy return'd, upon hearing Lucy Cranch, was here, as they are
very intimate together; not from a similarity of character however, for Lucy, has
still more gravity and seriousness in her disposition, than her Sister. Every person
I believe has, in some measure, a double Character; the one implanted by nature, and
the other form'd by education. A Character naturally vicious, may by proper training,
be led in the right path, and a mind originally excellent, may be injured, by an erroneous
method of raising it. How fortunate are those, who enjoy both the blessings! and I
know of nobody who has them to a greater degree, than both of my Cousins. They have
been taught to admire, and to know, what is useful, and durable, and not to spend
three quarters of their time thinking, how they shall do, to be stared at the fourth.
Mr. Thaxter and Leonard White dined with us; in the afternoon, Mr. Shaw, and the Ladies
went down and drank tea at Doctor Saltonstall's. We went out on a gunning party, but
had not, any great success. Spent part of the evening at Mr. White's, and part, at
Mr. Duncan's, where I had not yet been. Felt very dull all the evening, owing to a
number of circumstances. Mr. Duncan supped here.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0027

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-28

28th.

This morning My two Cousins left us, to return to Braintree, at about 9. Nancy, and
Cousin Betsey, went down to Mr. White's; So that our house was very considerably thinn'd.
Mrs. Shaw spent the afternoon out. In the Evening Charles and myself went and stayd
an hour at Mr. Duncan's. Found Mr. Thaxter there. The weather is uncommonly mild for
the Season; I was obliged to make a fire last Fall, in France, by the middle of this
month, and I have, not as yet felt the necessity of one, here, although the Season
is further advanced and the winters are colder, than there.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0028

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-29

29th.

I began to give over all hopes of receiving any Letters from my Sister by the last
Vessels, but this morning while we were at { 349 } Breakfast A large packet came in from Boston; inclosing me a very long Letter, with
the account untill the 15th. of August. The pleasure I received was enhanced, by having
it when it was unexpected. But it has not satisfied me, upon one subject, which gives
me still a great deal of anxiety. Doubts, hopes, and fears alternately rise in my
Breast, and I know not what to Conclude. The subject is of great importance to me,
as it regards the happiness of a Sister, for whom I have the tenderest and sincerest
affection.1 Between 12 and 1 I went down to Mr. White's, and read my Letter to the Ladies. Stay'd
and dined there. Spent part of the afternoon with Mr. Thaxter: he gave me a piece
of information which surprised me very much, but which I sincerely hope to be true.
Nancy came home, this Evening. I have been endeavouring for some time past, to climb,
up some steps upon the hill of the muses but, Boileau says with great truth

2. Nicholas Boileau-Despréaux, “L'Art poetique,” from Oeuvres choisies, 2 vols., Paris, 1777, 2:[3], a copy of which is at MQA with JQA's bookplate and MS signature with the date 1781. JQA quotes the first four lines of the first song, line three of which should read: “S'il
ne sent point du ciel.”

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0012-0029

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-10-30

30th.

Attended the meeting forenoon and afternoon; in the morning Cousin Betsey came, here,
and spent the day with us. I return'd with her after tea, and found nobody at home,
at Mr. White's. Nancy and Charles went in the afternoon to the other meeting-house.
Mr. Smith, after an absence of near two months, return'd home, a day or two since.
Mr. Hunt spent the evening here; a gentleman from Boston, who it is said comes to
take one of the ladies from Haverhill. Miss Becca White1 is the person; Common fame, gives to Mr. J: Duncan the title of his rival; But common
fame, is so fond of making matches, that there is no knowing how to depend upon it.

31st.

Mr. Allen, and Mr. Quarles,1 two clergymen, dined here to day. In the afternoon Charles went over to Bradford,
to visit Walker, his Chum: We spent the Evening, and supp'd at Mr. White's; there
were several ladies and gentlemen from Boston there: Charles made it so late before
he came from Bradford that he did not go with us. It was about 10. when we return'd
home. The Company at Mr. White's propose returning to-morrow to Boston; One of the
Ladies appeared very impatient to be gone, and I believe had particular Reasons, for
wishing it.

The Weather is still very mild for the Season. I do not find a fire necessary as yet.

Tuesday November 1st. 1785.

Walker came over, and dined here to day. In the afternoon all the family, except my
brother Tom, and myself went to Mr. Redington's. They pressed me to go too, but I
wish to go as little into Company, while I am here as possible. An hundred things
which I can neither foresee, nor prevent, draw me away from my studies and delay them:
but where I can help it, I will not suffer them to be interrupted. Time, is too precious
a thing to be trifled with, and I have already lost but too much.

This morning Mr. Thaxter set out, for Salem, where the Court is now setting: he will
not return before next Saturday.

Betsey Cranch spent the day with us.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0002

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-02

2d.

Young Mr. Symmes lodged here last Night. This morning before breakfast My Brother
Charles left us, for Cambridge, as the fall vacancy ends to day. He went with Leonard
White, and Walker, and several other Gentlemen and Ladies who were going to Boston.
I have lost in Leonard and Charles two good friends who in my leisure hours were great
sources of pleasure { 351 } to me; but the separation from them is necessary, and from that I must derive my Consolation.
Finished the first chapter of John. I hope I shall not continue to proceed as slowly
as I have done; and I believe it is in Learning Languages, as the french proverb says,
il n'y a que le premier pas qui coûte. Cloudy, chilly weather all day; in the Evening
it rain'd considerably. Very stormy in the Night.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0003

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-03

3d.

Mr. Shaw went to the lecture of a neighbouring brother, and dined out; I was pretty
close, all day, and did not go out of the house. Events cannot be interesting, when
one is in this Situation, and few Reflections can be made, by one entirely employ'd
in acquiring those of others.

I feel a degree of Melancholy which may be owing to my having been so much confined
these three or four days, but I rather imagine proceeds from another Cause. When our
Reason is at variance with our heart, the mind cannot be in a pleasing State: I have
heretofore more than once, been obliged to exert all my Resolution, to keep myself
free from a Passion, which I could not indulge, and which would have made me miserable
had I not overcome it. I have escaped till now more perhaps owing to my good Fortune,
than to my own firmness, and now again, I am put to a trial. I have still more Reason,
than I ever had, to repress my feelings; but I am also perswaded, that I never was
in greater danger; one Circumstance there is, which gives me hopes; and if it takes
place, will put an end to my danger and my fears.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0004

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-04

4th.

Reading over the Salem paper to day, I found an account of the death, and funeral
of Mr. Hardy, a delegate in Congress from the State of Virginia, a gentleman, from
whom I received the politest treatment while I was in New York, but what is of Consequence,
a firm and steady friend to his Country, a mild Republican, and a worthy man. In the
evening Mr. Thaxter return'd from Salem, where he heard of the decease of my aunt
Tufts, whose excellent Qualities endeared her, to her relations and to all her acquaintance:
The continual occasion which every person has to reflect upon the slender thread of
life, has drawn from great and ingenious minds every observation, that can be made
respecting mor• { 352 } tality: happy is it in this aweful seperation from those that are near to us, when
we have only to grieve for our own sakes. What a source of Consolation in these Circumstances,
is the perswasion, that our friends, have gained in the Change, an advantage incomparably
greater than our loss. Ah! what can the reflections of an Atheist be, at the death
of a dear friend; (if a mind of that cast is capable of friendship) what Idea, can
support him: the mind which contributed once so greatly to his happiness; he supposes
to be annihilated with the body, it animated, and he can derive no soothing thoughts
from resignation to a Providence the existence of which he denies. Just Heaven! whatever
misfortunes it may be my lot to be afflicted with hereafter, grant, that the frenzy
of infidelity, may never be of the number! Mrs. Tufts died on Sunday the 30th. of
last month. A few days before, when not only she herself, but all those around her
were in hourly expectition of her dissolution, her only Son1 to whom she has always been the tenderest, the most affectionate of mothers set off
on a journey: and has nature given to any human hearts, the coldness, and the hardness
of marble, who, that is blest with the smallest degree of Sensibility, would not shudder
at the idea, of abandoning a dying parent, was it for the dominion of the world? Heaven,
be praised! I know only this Character in this family, that is deprived, of every
amiable virtue of the heart.

Mr. Hardy died October 17th. and in him these States have lost, a patriot, from whose
virtues, they would I doubt not, have derived great advantages, had the all wise ruler
of Events, thought proper to continue him longer in the world. The respect shown him,
after his death by the august body, of which he was a member, proves how much he was
esteemed and beloved by them.

1. Cotton Tufts Jr. (1757–1833), AA's cousin and longtime postmaster of Weymouth, whom JQA later described as “a man who has lived nearly to the age of four score; having had
a liberal education, but never emerged from obscurity and retirement” (JQA, Diary, 6 May 1833).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0005

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-05

5th.

Eliza Spent the day with us. I accompanied her home, in the Evening, and spent half
an hour at Mr. White's. Miss Betsey Duncan, return'd this Evening from Boston, and
brought me a Letter from my Cousin Cranch.1 He attended Mrs. Tufts's funeral last Tuesday, and very justly admires the Doctor's
Behav• { 353 } iour upon the occasion: it was that of a Christian, and of a Philosopher. He had always
lived in an uninterrupted union with his Lady; and though fully Sensible of his loss,
he did not show it, by tears, or by any outward manifestation. He was not dressed
in black, considering a mourning suit but as the trappings and the suits of woe.2

6th.

Attended the meeting, forenoon, and afternoon. Went home with my Cousin. Was employ'd
all the Evening, in writing to my Sister.1

The Weather somewhat chilly.

1. Letter not found; undoubtedly the same to which he refers on 8 Nov. (below).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0007

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-07

7th.

Mr. Thaxter went again this morning to Newbury, to attend the trial of a number of
Pirates, lately taken.1 I wish'd much to go with him, on that account, and for several other Reasons; but,
I was afraid of interrupting my Studies, which at this Time, cannot suffer any loss
of time; and they must be attended to, before every thing else. N. B. Guardian N:
49.2

1. Several men who had taken possession of the schooner Amity off the Essex co. coast in mid-August were captured and indicted a month later. In
mid-November two were convicted of robbery and felony; three were declared not guilty
(Massachusetts Spy, 8, 22 Sept., 17, 24 Nov.).

2. An essay on the “natural” and “fantastical” “pleasures which constitute human happiness.”
JQA may have used the two-volume edition of The Guardian, London, 1745, 1:213–217, listed among his books in 1784 and now at MQA ([Christian Lotter], Inventory of JQA's books, 6 Nov. 1784, Adams Papers).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0008

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-08

8th.

My Aunt spent the afternoon at Mr. White's. I was not outside of the gate once. Closed
my Letter to my Sister N:8.1 But I shall not be able to send it before next Week.

1. Letter not found. Extant letters to his sister suggest that his reference here is
misnumbered and might have been letter thirteen. Letter eight was dated 29 Aug.–7 Sept. (Adams Papers), and JQA had sent at least four other letters to AA2 by this time. For another inexplicable instance of misnumbering, see entry for 28 Nov. (below).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0009

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-09

9th.

Drank tea at Mrs. West's,1 where our ladies spent the afternoon. I afterwards went home with Eliza; went in
to Mr. White's. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan2 were there. This Lady, in Consequence, of a fit of sickness, has for these two or
three months been deprived of her Reason: a little before 7 she went home with her
husband; about half an hour after, Mr. J Duncan, came in, and enquired if she was
there: we were immediately alarmed, and I went up with Miss Peggy, to Mr. Duncan's.
The whole neighbourhood was stirring in a short time, and she has been fruitlessly
search'd after, for three hours. The Circumstances of her disappearing, are very singular;
Mr. Duncan had not been 2 minutes from her, when she was first miss'd, and she went
off without any Cloak. It is generally feared that she went to the River with the
intention to put an end to her existence; as she has already attempted it twice. The
hopes conceived are but small: the whole family, are deeply affected, and in a State
of Suspense, more dreadful than a certainty of the worst could be: Mrs. White, who
is the Lady's Sister, is in great distress. Peggy fears the worst, and is prepared
for it. If she is gone, said she to me, as we were going up the hill, there is a god,
who rules all with infinite Wisdom; we must hope for the best, and submit to whatever
he may inflict upon us. Such Reflections, are often made by persons when their passions
are cool, but such philosophical and Christian resignation is not common in so young
a mind, when it receives a sudden, and violent shock like this. I admired it exceedingly.

10th.

My Uncle, went out, early this morning, and when he return'd put an end to our hopes
with Respects to Mrs. Duncan, and realized our fears. She was found dead, in the River,
near the shore, in a place where there is not more than two foot of water. In this
distressing Calamity, it is in some measure a consoling circumstance that she was
found: the family must necessarily have suf• { 355 } fered beyond measure, had she never been heard of after she disappeared. I never felt
my Spirits so depress'd, as they have been all this day. A Sentiment of Humanity in
general, always makes me feel, for a disaster of this sort, but I was never before
witness to one, when my attachment to an Amiable family in particular, has heightened
the natural feelings to such a degree.

The God, who disposes every thing, for the best, when he bereaves an human creature
thus of its Reason, does it perhaps with a view to make the rest sufficiently sensible
of the inestimable blessing he has bestow'd upon them. For such is the mind of man,
that it can never be grateful for the gifts it possesses, unless it sees the dreadful
Consequences attending the want of them; and it is adversity that makes the good man.

The ways of Heaven, are dark and intricate,

Puzzled in mazes, and perplex'd with errors.

My Aunt, and Nancy spent the day at Mr. Duncan's. Mrs. Shaw, was greatly affected,
but her conduct proved, this was not the first time, her Sensibility, had been thus
called forth. Nancy was distress'd to a great degree: she could not contain her grief;
it has heightened my opinion of her: the heart that feels so keenly for other's woes,
may be led into errors, but never can be unamiable.

Mr. Thaxter return'd to day from Salem. He is deeply interested in this misfortune;
and bears it with the fortitude, for which he is distinguished, and which he has often,
been called upon to exert.

He left Salem this morning, and the jury upon the affair, had not then given their
Verdict. He seems to be of opinion that they were not guilty of Piracy; but thinks
it probable they will be condemned.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0011

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-11

11th.

Attended Mrs. Duncan's funeral, in the afternoon: Mr. Smith made a prayer, very proper
and adapted to the Circumstances. There were as I imagine, about 40 couple attending.
As we return'd, several couple went out of the row as they came to their Respective
homes. I was with my Cousin, and went in to Mr. White's; where I spent a couple of
hours. Mrs. McKinstry,1 a Sister of Mrs. Duncan, was there: and it was a solemn, mournful { 356 } time with them. Most of the Company returnd to Mr. Duncan's house. My Aunt spent the
evening with Mrs. Payson.

1. Mrs. Priscilla Leonard McKinstry, widow of loyalist Dr. William McKinstry, of Taunton, was the sister of both Mrs.
Elizabeth Duncan and Sarah LeBaron White, the second wife of John White Sr., of Haverhill
(Sibley-Shipton, Harvard Graduates, 6:326; William Willis, “Genealogy of the McKinstry Family, With A Preliminary Essay
on the Scotch-Irish Immigrations to America,” NEHGR, 12:325–326 [Oct. 1858]).

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0012

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-12

12th.

All day at home. Miss Nancy came in the Evening, but did not stay more than half an
hour: she has been since Thursday morning, at Mr. Duncan's, and proposes staying there,
all next Week. Though I cannot conceal from myself, that this gives me pain at present,
yet I can sincerely say, I wish she would in this manner keep away, week after week
from this house, untill I leave it: In the Evening, I was reminded, of the great disadvantages,
a youth must labour under, who suffers himself to be subdued by the tender passion.
I needed not the Caution; and shew that I was fully sensible of it. I consider it
the greatest misfortune; that can befall a young man to be in Love. Does not Reason
alone suffice to show that, when the Passions are high and the blood is warm, it is
impossible to make a Choice, with the prudence necessary upon such an occasion. Do
we not see daily men, of great Sense and experience, and at an age when discretion
should guide all their actions, fall into fatal errors, in this case, how much more
exposed then, is a person incapable of Reflection, and led on by passion. May it be
my lot, at least for ten years to come, never to have my heart exclusively possessed
by any individual of the other sex. A man courting appears to me at any time of life,
much below his natural dignity; but in a youth it is exceedingly absurd and ridiculous.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0013

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-13

13th.

The late misfortune, was the subject of our afternoon sermon. Nobody from the family
was present, as they attend Mr. Smith's meeting. My Cousin, was at ours the latter
part of the day, and dined with us. Mr. Redington, spent part of the Evening, here.
Mr. Shaw was called out, upon two occasions, very different from one another. To attend
three persons in one family, at the point of death, and to marry a couple: thus it
is, while one part of { 357 } the world, are crumbling to dust, others, are feasting and rejoying and hastening
to the same situation.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0014

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-14

14th.

I pass'd half an hour before dinner at Mr. Thaxters office: at home all the rest of
the day, with the same scene perpetually renew'd: A person that passes the days in
study and the nights in sleep knows little of variety. The rules of the house, are
exceedingly regular, and must be strictly attended to. Breakfast at 8. dinner at 1:
prayers at 9 and retirement a short time after, are the Laws: and as I think every
person ought to pay due respect to the Regulations of the house he is in, I have never
been out of this after 10 at night, since I have been, here: but once after 9. Severity
in this article, is absolutely necessary in a Clergyman's house: such is the attention
every gentleman of that profession, must pay to the prejudices of ignorance, and enthusiasm.
In short the discouragement every person, inclined to the study of divinity must meet
with in this Country has restrained many of late years from following that line of
life, and will lessen the number very greatly in a little Time. The laws exclude them
from any civil employment, the Salaries allow'd them are very small, and in many places
miserably paid; so that one can have no hopes of gratifying, ambition or prospects
of fortune, yet they are subjected to every ill natured reflection, that envy or malice
can invent. Every individual seems to think he has the direction, and superintendency
of their Conduct. In this land of freedom, they are the only persons that enjoy it
not; and they have not like the Roman Vestals, the Satisfaction of having uncommon
Respect paid them; as a reward for, all these disagreeable Circumstances. I think
proper care ought to be taken, to prevent the Clergy, as a body from growing too rich
or too powerful; but I think it both false and unjust policy, to make odious distinctions
between them, and other Citizens.

Weather quite cold to day.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0015

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-15

15th.

All day at home. My Uncle, was applied to last Saturday by a man, to do a little jobb
for him, as he term'd it, which was to marry him. So he went in the afternoon: My
Aunt and Eliza went in the Chaise.

I made in the Evening a few reflections, which I had not time to write down, now,
but, must remember to do it some other day. The weather begins to grow cold, and it
is probable, we shall have Snow very soon; it is now full time, for there is often
snow on the ground here, by the middle of October.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0016

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-16

16th.

Two persons in the town, died in the Course of this day. A young Woman by the name
of Bradly, and a Grandson of Dr: Cast, a boy about 11 years old. He was one of my
brothers Companions, and died in Consequence, of having leapt from too great an height.

Eliza dined here, and went in the afternoon with my aunt to see Mr. Adams1 a neighbouring minister. I pass'd the Evening at Mr. White's. There was some Company
there: Mrs. White is still somewhat Melancholy. Peggy in as good Spirits as could
be expected. Upon the whole it was an agreeable evening. When I got home, I found
Mr. Allen, at the house; he will lodge here, this night. Mr. Thaxter went this day
to Newbury, and return'd. I saw him at Mr. Duncan's as I came by the house.

17th.

The weather was very stormy, all the morning; but began to clear up, at about noon,
and in the afternoon it was pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, attended the funeral of the
youth that died yesterday morning; my brother went as bearer: Mr. Thaxter, called,
in the afternoon, but made only a short stay; he cannot spare but a few minutes at
a time, and it is not to be wondered at. The Salem Paper, mentions a Vessel arrived
from London in Boston. I hope for Letters.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0018

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-18

18th.

There was Company lodged here last night, but went early in the forenoon away. Eliza,
dined, and passed the afternoon, here. Mr. Shaw attended the funeral of the young
woman, lately dead. Several Ladies were here in the afternoon, and Evening.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0019

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-19

19th.

The whole day at my studies as usual. In the afternoon I read in Watt's Logic,1 as my Saturday afternoon's, are employ'd in reading English. I began this, last week,
and am pretty well pleased with the work, though I have not as yet made any great
progress in it. There are a number of observations which were quite new to me, and
the most of them indisputable: some few I could not well comprehend although they
may be equally clear. In the Evening Mr. Thaxter and Eliza Cranch, paid a short visit.
Mr. Thomas2 went out with his gun, a very favourite amusement with him. The Post brought me no
Letters, last Evening; there came none by the vessel that arrived lately at Boston.
Eliza, had a large Packet from her friends in the Town, and was sit quite in a flutter.
Nancy was to come home this Evening, but has determined to stay a few days longer.

1. Isaac Watts, Logick: Or, The Right Use of Reason in the Enquiry After Truth . . ., London, 1725. No early editions of this work are in any of the Adams libraries.

20th.

We had two sermons to day, upon a text from Proverbs: 19th. Chap: 20:v: Hear counsel
and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. The several instances
of death, that have lately occurred in this town were not passed unnoticed. Two persons,
both promising to be useful in the spheres assigned them, had been cut off in the
bloom of youth; the divinity, often took from the world in this manner, those whose
Characters were universally loved and esteemed, yet suffered others, that were entirely
useless, or perhaps the bane of society, to continue. Those impious fools who pretend
to disbelieve an over ruling providence, considered this as an argument in their favour.
But what else was this than supposing, the author of Nature had as contracted views,
and ideas, as their's. In truth I have often wondered how it happened, that a being
whose mind is so exceedingly weak, that it cannot comprehend why a pebble thrown into
the air should fall to the ground, can pretend to raise a doubt, whether there was
a being, more wise, more exalted more powerful than himself. Any man will think, it
impertinent and absurd in another to pronounce judgment, upon the plainest subject,
if he does not understand it: and is it not still more ab• { 360 } surd to deny, what Nature cries aloud in all her works: when we must, all acknowledge,
ourselves, entirely ignorant, of the secret springs that keep the machine of the world
in play.

Mr. Shaw was absent a great part of the Evening; he was called to marry Dr. Woodbury
to Miss Hannah Appleton. My Aunt attended the wedding. After meeting I went to Mr.
White's and spent half an hour with them.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0021

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-21

21st.

My Aunt and Eliza, went and took a ride in the afternoon. They drank tea at Judge
Sargeant's, and I spent about an hour there. Went home with my Cousin, and stay'd
the Evening at Mr. White's. His Lady is very unwell, and has been so a considerable
time. She was recovering, when the fatal accident of her Sister happened; and I fear
it has tended to occasion a relapse. She is possess'd of great Sensibility, and the
disaster, must have been in a peculiar manner weighty to her. Mr. Thaxter came in
soon after I did, and at about 8 in the Evening, came home with me, and pass'd half
an hour here.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0022

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-22

22d.

I have been very steady all day at My Studies, and have at length been able to go
through an hundred verses in the Testament. The book is exceeding easy: the only difficulty
I find is being obliged, to look words which takes up time. This Evening Miss Nancy
at last made her appearance; Mr. Thaxter and Miss Betsey Duncan were here a few minutes
in the Evening.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0023

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-23

23d.

The weather has look'd snowy, for several days past, but has remained, in Statu quo,
till this evening; Which is pretty stormy.

I am not fond of seeing this Robe; there is something so dreary so gloomy, to me,
in looking, all around, to see a dull lifeless sameness, every where, that the first
appearance of snow, is quite disagreeable to me.

24th.

Thanksgiving day in the State of New Hampshire. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw spent it in the
upper Parish: the meeting house of which, being, one half in this State, and one half
in the other they keep both. Ours will be three weeks from this day.

I spent the whole evening at Mr. White's. Miss Priscilla McKinstry was there, a very
pretty, agreeable young Lady. I read to them 2 or three of Mrs. Aikin's Poem's. I
have seen, verses, not better than these from illustrious pens; but I saw little,
that I thought soar'd much above mediocrity. Corsica, has some very pretty thoughts in it, but often falls into prose, which must be the
case, when the Emphasis cannot be laid on the last syllable of the line. But Ladies
ought to be, exempted from the severe scrutiny of Criticism, and we should be willing,
only to praise and admire the productions of their Apollo; the groans of the tankard, is either above or beneath Criticism, I will not say which.1 Mrs. White is yet much indisposed.

25th.

The Rev'd. Mr. True dined here: a person of a peculiar Character I am told, and from
what I have seen of him to day I should have judg'd as much. At about 4 in the afternoon,
my Uncle came in, and handed me, a noble Packet of Letters; 3 from My Mother 2 from
my father, a long one from my Sister, and several others.1 It has made me as happy, (I will not say as a king,) as I can be. One Letter from
Mamma, dated, as late as Octr. 5th. I went down in the Evening, and read them to My
Cousin and Peggy White. I greatly regret that I have not time to write to my Parents,
and my Sister so often as I should wish to. My Studies necessarily take up almost
all, and I have not enough left for necessary relaxation, exclusive of all the writing,
I should do. In short it appears to me, that was every minute, I have, an hour I should
not be at a loss to employ it. And at this very minute the Bell rings for nine of
Clock, when I had no Idea, of its being yet 8. { 362 } Snows and storms, highly this Evening: winter is coming forward with hasty stride.

26th.

Finished the book of John, in the Testament, and was the Rest of the day, employ'd
in answering my Letters. Inclosed the Marquis's letter to Mr. Breck, and wrote to
Mr. Chaumont.1 Mr. Thaxter and Eliza dined with us. A fine day.

1. The availability of an abstract and a partial text for this letter is reported in
Helen Cripe and Diane Campbell, comps. and eds., American Manuscripts, 1763–1815: An Index to Documents Described in Auction Records
and Dealers' Catalogues, Wilmington, Del., 1977, No. 14386.

Docno: ADMS-03-01-02-0007-0013-0027

Author: Adams, John Quincy

Date: 1785-11-27

27th.

The forenoon discourse was upon Revelations, III. 15 and 16. I know thy works, that
thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou
art luke-warm, and neither cold, nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. A very
good Sermon was d